NEW LONDON, N.C. – Instructors from the North Carolina Air National Guard, 145th Civil Engineer Squadron, trained Airmen from across the country in high rope rescue techniques and confined space rescue operations here at the 145th Regional Training Site in Stanly County, Feb. 13, 2017.
The training is called Urban Search and Rescue I and it teaches rope techniques, how to rappel, high line technique, how to package a victim and how to retrieve victims from confined space such as a rubble pile or damaged building. The instructors are Airmen and seasoned firefighters stationed at the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.
“Chavez where is that anchor supposed to be?” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jeret Kinnaird, a firefighter for the North Carolina Air National Guard, 145th Civil Engineer Squadron as he instructs students how to properly secure a rescue rig. “Dual high line is about to go up!” said Kinnaird.
Airmen of all ranks and skill levels are welcome to attend the course. Many Air National Guard firefighters also work for municipalities and towns as firefighters. This training gives them an opportunity to get FEMA level training that their hometown department may not have access to.
At the core of the course are 12 knots, students must be able to memorize these knots and demonstrate them before moving on to using other equipment. The students learn how to use racks, pulleys and anchor straps to create the high rope rescue rig.
“When they can put it all together and perform at a high level, they are ready to conduct a real-world rescue,” said Tech. Sgt. Gabe Boulware, an instructor and firefighter for the North Carolina Air National Guard, 145th Civil Engineer Squadron.
The 145th Regional Training site in Stanly County is one of only four in the U.S. and serves a wide range of customers from all branches of the U.S. military (Active, Guard and Reserve), international forces, federal and state law agencies and others. The site and personnel are committed to and capable of supporting both federal and state missions.