Daring rope rescue training at the BT Tower in Heaton Park

Daring Rope Rescue Training at the BT Tower in Heaton Park

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Vertigo was not a problem for Greater Manchester fire crews as they dangled 238 feet from a BT Tower as part of a training exercise.

The rope rescue exercise carried out by the Leigh Technical Response Unit on Monday saw multiple casualty rescues in an unusual and challenging environment.

The training was a joint project between Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and BT with the station’s Green Watch taking part, led by Crew Manager John Hughes. He said: “We’d like to say a big thanks to BT who worked with us to organise this important training event”.

“As well as rescuing the casualty dummies and testing our skills, the event also highlighted the dangers of radio frequency energy to crews. It helped us develop solutions to some interesting problems we could potentially face in the future.”

Firefighters spent a full day at the tower in Heaton Park with rescues taking place both inside and on the dauntingly high exterior, with stunning views across Greater Manchester compensating for the terrible weather.

The Technical Response Unit carry out similar exercises to sharpen their skills every six months.