Rescuers rehearse for stormy situations

Crews brush up on their emergency skills on Lake James

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer

LAKE JAMES -- As Tropical Storm Ernesto churned the waters outside Haiti and strong winds pounded the shore Monday, more than 40 rescue workers in Burke County practiced emergency lifts in flooded and hurricane-like conditions.

The three-day training session, which began Sunday, came one year after Hurricane Katrina ripped through the Gulf Coast, leaving people stranded on rooftops and floating in open water.

The aftermath of last year's storm left state and federal authorities fighting criticism for not being better prepared and for the slow emergency response time.

And that's exactly what rescue workers in North Carolina, Texas, Maryland and Georgia are hoping to avoid in their own states, said Capt. Rob Brisley of the Charlotte Fire Department.

"We realize that North Carolina can be just as vulnerable," he said. "When they pull the trigger for a real mission, (rescuers) jump on that aircraft and have the confidence."

The out-of-state rescuers joined local crews for the training, said Jeff Cardwell of the N.C. Division of Emergency Management.

"We're certainly not alone. We're not alone in our goals, our approach. We're not alone in our needs," said Cardwell, coordinator for areas that include Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties.

When Hurricane Ivan slammed into the Carolinas in 2004, rescuers in Burke County made 13 lifts using Blackhawk helicopters, said Jeff Hibbard of the county's special operations task force.

With the current hurricane season approaching, Hibbard, 41, said it's important for even the most experienced of rescuers to practice airlifts.

"All of these guys are seasoned," he said, "(But) if we don't keep up on it, a lot of skills lack."

Training Monday began with rescues from the top of vehicles, which are similar to rooftop rescues, and from trees.

Tree rescues are particularly tricky, said N.C. National Guard Staff Sgt. Brant McGee, who returned from Iraq in December after a one-year tour of duty.

"The biggest problem would be snagging the tree," he said. "The aircraft won't even feel it if they've pulled someone apart."

The winds generated by the Blackhawk can achieve almost hurricane force, McGee said, and water rescues came with whipping waves and stinging spray.

Even with the spray, Lynn Burttschell from Austin (Texas)-Travis County Emergency Medical Services said, the wind created by the helicopter is worse on the outskirts.

"It's like being in the eye of a hurricane," he said.

Crews lifted victims from trees and from open water in minutes.

"They're the A-team," Cardwell said. "There's no egos. Everybody is here for a reason."


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