2009 Smalls Falls Training

On June 6, 2009 NorthStar Ambulance hosted the annual Smalls Falls Rope Rescue Awareness training in Madrid, Maine. Because the falls is a beautiful location with easy access for the general public, it is also the scene of 1-2 rope rescue calls each year. Many of the calls involve people being swept over the falls from the pools above and becoming trapped or lodged in the lower pool at the base of the middle falls. This pool is also a popular ‘jumping’ spot for daredevil swimmers who are drawn to the 40’-50’ drop. Trainings are held here to allow rescuers from local fire departments, EMS and SAR to cross-train and problem-solve the specific challenges they might encounter at a real rescue.