High-stakes situation in downtown Coeur d'Alene

COEUR d’ALENE — Stepping off a ledge at 15 stories up, even for a veteran firefighter connected to a proven system of harnesses, ropes and carabiners, can be unnerving.

“There’s always that bit of apprehension because even though you’ve done it a bunch, it’s not a natural place to be. It’s not a normal activity,” said Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Capt. Joe Lind.

Lind himself has performed such training exercises thousands of times. And each time is a combination of excitement and uneasiness. 

“There’s always that bit of, ‘I sure hope this works,’” Lind said Thursday from the rooftop of McEuen Terrace at Seventh Street and Front Avenue.

About a dozen firefighters went through high-angle training for about five hours on a breezy morning as some citizens passing by below stopped to watch. 

The department’s technical rescue team simulated a rope rescue of a window washer suffering an emergency or being unable to self-extricate from personal safety equipment.

One firefighter rappelled down from the rooftop to play the victim, while another followed shortly after to save him.

From ground level, they made it look easy. But in reality, it’s risky work where a number of things could go wrong and the situation is filled with unknowns.

“You don’t know why they’re stuck, if it’s medical or equipment failure,” said Craig Etherton, Coeur d’Alene deputy fire marshal.

While such situations are rare, they do happen and firefighters must be ready, Etherton said, even if it means leaning back off an edge from 150 feet up and making their way down the side of a building.

Each scenario is different. Confidence in the systems helps overcome fear or anxiety, Lind said.

“It is exhilarating when you go over the edge,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve done it. It’s always exciting. You get an adrenaline surge.”

Etherton thanked tenants and residents of McEuen Terrace for allowing them to train at their building. 

"These public private partnerships are invaluable to our success as a fire department," he said.

    Coeur d'Alene firefighters conduct rescue training at McEuen Terrace on Thursday.
  

    Coeur d'Alene firefighter Max McCormick rappels down McEuen Terrace during rescue training on Thursday.