Orcas Fire completes rope rescue training
Published 4:14 pm Thursday, July 28, 2011
Several years ago, there were a series of EMS calls that posed very dangerous and difficult rescue challenges.
This was the impetus for Larry Taubman, a firefighter and EMT with Orcas Island Fire and Rescue at that time, to become the driving force behind a “Ropes Rescue Team.”
Taubman contributed personal funds to outfit the team with equipment and located high level trainers. He and his wife Loretta have since moved to Hawaii, but he has continued to be a cheerleader for the team.
Recently, Larry took his generosity to a whole new level, funding a training trip for several team members to get the next level of advanced training.
“It cannot be overstated that this multi-thousand dollar training would not have been possible without the generous funding from one person: former lieutenant and good friend of Orcas Fire and Rescue, Larry Taubman and his wife Loretta,” said Fire Chief Mike Harris.
On July 8, nine members of the ropes team were flown to Jackson Hole, Wyo., where they met with Rescue City, a professional rescue training group that has been working with Orcas Fire from the beginning.
“They put on a three-day, intensive class in a vertical environment,” said Division Chief Valerie Harris.
The new skills built on existing knowledge and added new skills in self rappel and rescuing victims. The firefighters and EMTs also worked on team dynamics, problem solving and effective communication.
“These end up being the most important skills when performing something as high risk but low frequency as a technical rope rescue,” Valerie said.
Team members who participated were Lt. Rich Harvey, Mark O’Neill, Gulliver Rankin, Jim Schuh, Jaylin Peacock, Cameron Fralick, George Schermerhorn, Valerie, and Mike.
Taubman also gifted new equipment to Orcas Fire.
“The ropes team and Rescue City Trainers are all very grateful and amazed by the generosity that made the trip possible,” Valerie said. “But the real winners are the citizens and visitors of Orcas Island, who have a rescue team trained to handle our steep terrains and shorelines.”
