West Hartford Firefighters Learning The Ropes, Literally

WEST HARTFORD, CT — If you see West Hartford firefighters hanging from a rope in town or hoisting up gurneys, there's nothing to worry about.

They're merely training.

In fact, according to West Hartford Firefighters Local 1241, several this week are working with Vector Rescue, a New Milford-based company that aids emergency units with training and equipment, for what is called "rope rescue" training.

Anyone old enough to remember the 1970s television show "Emergency!" has probably seen examples of firefighters/paramedics using ropes to save lives.

But in real life, to do what John Gage and Roy DeSoto did in TV land requires updated and extensive training.

"Rope rescue is an extremely technical rescue discipline which requires a significant amount of knowledge and expertise," wrote West Harford Firefighters Union 1241 on social media. "We use these skills to access victims in situations that are otherwise inaccessible.

"The members who are training this week will take the skills they’ve learned back to the rest of the department in order to expand our capabilities and better serve the Town of West Hartford."

For the West Hartford Firefighters Local 1241 Facebook page, click on this link.

For more information about Vector Rescue, click on this link.