Earlier this week, Piedmont Fire Department, led by Training Officer Lt. Justin McNulty, enacted the dramatic practice of a “Low Angle Rescue.” These rescues are typically the result of someone falling down steep hillsides — and are not unheard in Piedmont. According to Fire Chief Bret Black, two such rescues have taken place in town — one in Dracena and the other on the steep slope of red rock above Corporation Yard.
The firemen preparing for a low angle rescue 
Firefighter/paramedic Brian Gidney waits instruction before rappelling down to rescue the victim 
A paramedic is the first to reach the dummy victim and would attend to his/her medical needs first 
The paramedic waits with the dummy as additional help comes along with a stokes package (or basket) to transport the victim back up the hillside 
Brian Gidney, firefighter and paramedic, secures the dummy with harnesses 
The three firemen and the dummy victim are clipped in and pulled back up the hill by ropes and pulleys 
The three firefighters, along with the dummy victim, are pulled up the hillside
Because they tend to be high risk, and less common, it’s important for the officers to practice the steps and maneuvers needed to manage this kind of rescue.
The new engine has a compartment that is large enough so they can carry all the equipment needed for such a rescue. This includes the Stokes package (the basket) used to transport the victim; and the pulleys and ropes, which provide mechanical advantage in this kind of rescue.
Having all the necessary equipment on hand means not having to rely on surrounding teams which can slow the response.
