Over the edge

Kings County’s own High Angle Rescue Team is being put to the test more than usual this summer.

Canning Volunteer Fire Department spokesperson Jeff Skaling says the team, consisting of firefighters from Canning, New Minas and Waterville, has been dispatched for three major rescues in the coastal Cape Split area in a relatively short period of time.

“It’s been an exceptionally busy summer for the rope rescue team and the fire department in general,” the deputy chief said.

“Our observation is that the trail is being used much more now.”

Skaling was among the firefighters dispatched for a rescue operation in Amethyst Cove, near Cape Split, shortly before 7 p.m. on July 16.

Two hikers – a 23-year-old woman from Dieppe, N.B. and 30-year-old man from Halifax – became stranded after being too exhausted to make their way back up a steep incline.

“They were about 150 to 200 feet down from the top,” said Skaling.

“It is a strenuous climb and they lost their energy.”

The rope rescue team worked through the fog and drizzle to set up a pulley system that would make it possible to send a rescuer down to retrieve the hikers.

“We did put a firefighter over the edge,” said Skaling.

Every rope rescue is highly technical, requiring constant communication and focus. The call on July 16 was considered less complicated than usual due to the location, condition of the patients and time of day.

“They weren’t injured. They were able to stand on their own – that helps,” said Skaling, who noted that the RCMP and paramedics were also on the scene.

“It took about 2.5 hours, which is pretty quick.”

The response time can be significantly longer when rescuers are called out to the end of the Cape Split trail, Skaling said.

The high angle team was recently credited with saving a 26-year-old woman who was seriously injured after falling over the cliff at Cape Split July 9. The woman fell after trying to retrieve her dogs, which were also rescued.

“That was a much more complicated rescue,” said Skaling.

“Any time you put anybody over the edge of a cliff on a rope, it’s a risky venture.”

It’s always a good idea to do some homework before heading out to conquer the 16-kilometre Cape Split Hiking Trail, Skaling said.

“It can be a challenge if people are not familiar with the trail.”