As we’ve posted in previous months, the lack of a cliff, canyon, or tall building does not mean your fire department does not need the ability to perform a rope rescue. This article from Syracuse, NY shows us why.
A man was sitting on his front stoop when it gave way, plunging him into a void space beneath it that, according to the article, 3’x4’x8′. it appears that the rescue team packaged the patient and raised him up using a simple 2:1 Mechanical Advantage system rigged off of an aerial ladder as a high point.
http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2012/05/man_rescued_after_front_stoop.html
The people of Syracuse seem to have a decent sense of humor. Read the comments below the article to see for yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye_GkLgpai0