In conjunction with OSHA “Safety Stand Down Day”, Midland Communications hosted the Georgia Search and Rescue (GSAR) Taskforce 6 for a joint training session on communications tower emergencies and rescue procedures at Midland Communication’s site on School House Rd in Gordon County. GSAR Taskforce 6 had twenty members from five agencies including: Gordon County Fire Rescue, Calhoun Fire Department, Dalton Fire Department, Bartow County Fire Department, and Bremen Fire Department. After a brief classroom discussion of the hazards associated with climbing towers, equipment needed to perform tower rescues, and procedures to take in the event of a tower emergency, both Midland Communications and GSAR TF-6 moved to the tower to practice the skills, procedures, and with the equipment each agency would utilize in the event of an emergency. The day was concluded with personnel climbing the tower for familiarization and performing several rescue scenarios to test what they had learned during the day.
GSAR Taskforce 6 would like to extend their gratitude to Midland Communications and their staff for their willingness to share their knowledge and time with the taskforce members.