Recently, Sterling Steel Company, in Sterling, Illinois, hosted a large-scale crane rescue exercise with the Sterling, Rock Falls, and Dixon Fire Departments participating. Twenty-eight firefighters were involved, most from each department’s Tactical Rescue Unit. The exercise involved using a 102-foot ladder truck, climbing gear, and rigging to accomplish the rescue.

 A rescue “dummy” was placed in the crane operator’s cab to start the exercise. The crews would first have to reach the crane cab 60 feet above, provide a medical assessment, then move the “victim” out of the crane cab on a stretcher through very narrow, steep stairwells, and lower the victim to the ground. This was a great opportunity for the fire department Tactical Response Units to practice their skills.

“Our 500 Ton West Ladle Crane was an ideal platform for the exercise, with the running rails 72’ above the shop floor,” said Mike Strum, Health & Safety Manager. “The drills were completed safely and successfully, and fire department leaders praised the training opportunity. They were so enthusiastic that they immediately asked when we could begin planning the next exercise.”