MEMBERS of the Tasmania Fire Service, State Emergency Service and Tasmania Police have completed an intensive vertical rescue training course during the past week at Freycinet National Park.
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Rescue technicians, under the guidance of world-renowned rope rescue instructor Reed Thorne, of Arizona in the US, and Len Batley, of Fire and Rescue Australia, worked through a range of rescue scenarios.
The exercise culminated in a 65-metre twin high-line near Lassies Wall, a popular area for recreational climbers.
TFS state rescue co-ordinator and acting deputy regional chief Mark Dobson said vertical rescue was a high-risk, but low-frequency rescue discipline, and technicians must be equipped with the skills and knowledge to allow them to rescue injured or trapped people from any situation.
Mr Dobson said that police had primary responsibility for vertical rescue from natural features such as coastal cliffs, while the TFS maintained the capability for the built environment, including multi-storey buildings, bridges and towers.