By Rita Reith
Indianapolis firefighters recently got a chance to train in a part of the building that was the former site of the Indianapolis Star newspaper. The structure is slated for demolition, but the Indianapolis (IN) Fire Department took advantage of a window of opportunity to relocate training sessions on rope rescue and hazmat.
In one scenario, firefighters performed low-angle rope rescue training with a firefighter down in the former location of the printing press machines. The machines occupied a space that now leaves a gaping hole 15 feet deep and more than 150 feet long.
There are two of these spaces on the bottom floor of the building, and the effect is similar to having an empty Olympic-size swimming pool inside the structure.
The opportunity to train in a secure, non-emergent environment is invaluable for firefighters who may respond to a similar scenario with a firefighter down or civilian rescue.
