NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Could you imagine starting your day off with high-angle rescue training at 8 a.m.? High-angle rescue training is any time they have to lower a first responder on a rope to save people.
Now imagine using that same training 12 hours later to save a life. Hard to imagine right? Well not for the Nashville Fire Department (NFD).
Nashville firefighters shared with NewsChannel 5 on Tuesday, what it takes to pull off high-risk rescues.
This comes one day after rescuing a base jumper who some say is lucky to be alive.
Nashville Fire Department was told they had a jumper stuck 150 feet below near a quarry off White Creek Pike. Turns out, it was more like 300 feet.
Witnesses said a group of people were base jumping when one person’s parachute did not open, sending them careening toward a ledge near the top of the quarry.
Firefighters later created what’s called a “stokes basket” to stabilize the patient and raise them back to safety. It’s something they say is a part of training.
The process took longer than anticipated, but Nashville Fire representatives say they chose to take all the necessary precautions.
The patient was transported to Vanderbilt Hospital with a few broken bones, but no life-threatening injuries.
It’s a sad reality that area animal shelters and non-profit rescue organizations face constant overcrowding -- with so many dogs, cats and other animals waiting for a forever home. Jason Lamb reports here that Metro leaders are working with those groups – including Critter Cavalry – to find solutions. I’ve fostered a dog from Critter Cavalry, so I understand the need is great. And I found my pup Domino through another local group, Proverbs Animal Rescue. Ultimately, it starts with all of us. Getting more dogs and cats spayed or neutered can help control the pet population – and ease the burden.
-Rhori Johnston
