Following on from the previous report of 7th September, saw the team once more on the two tower cranes at Salford Quays, engaged in High Access Rope Rescue Training, joint with, and organised by Oldham MRT.
We were joined by a number of GMCFS Officers, two Pumps from Stretford Fire Station, ( one from each of the morning and afternoon watches ), an ALP., ( Aerial Ladder Platform, or Simon Snorkel to you and me ! ), and of course that machine that gets everywhere, the L6P Pinzgaeur from Bolton North Fire Station.
Familiarity climbs up the Towers and onto the rear boom, were made by the firefighters and MRT members ( who had not attended the first session ), whilst others practised abseil descents from the towers and casualty pick offs and lowers.
The Fire Service demonstrated a Paraguard Stretcher lower off the rear boom, whilst some Oldham members, and John Carlin and Fred Taylor from our team, abseiled off the rear boom, in a completely free hanging descent of 70 metres / 229 feet, definately not for the faint hearted.
This training with Oldham MRT and now GMCFS has been great fun for those involved, despite the serious nature and reason for the training. ( mind you ” fun ” can hardly describe the looks on team members faces when high up on the tower, the operator decided to move round the boom, and the whole tower structure started to move due to the torque effect ! )
Our thanks go to those at Oldham MRT involved in organising this training, particularly Mick Nield, OMRT Team Leader.

Geronimo!!!!!!!!