06/08/2026
Last week, Waukegan firefighters participated in specialized slope rescue training led by Lieutenant Kolar, of the Waukegan Fire Department's Special Response Team (SRT).
During the training, firefighters practiced setting up advanced mechanical systems used to lift, lower, and transport equipment, stretchers, and victims on steep terrain. Crews also trained in the challenging task of moving an injured patient in a Stokes basket across uneven ground and sloped environments.
The training focused on proper victim packaging and harnessing techniques to ensure patients remain secure and stabilized during both vertical and low-angle rescue operations.
These technical rescue scenarios are physically demanding and require exceptional coordination, teamwork, and precision. Regular training helps firefighters build the muscle memory needed to establish critical safety redundancies, operate efficiently under pressure, and successfully carry out complex rescue operations when real-world emergencies occur.
At the Waukegan Fire Department, continuous training ensures our personnel are prepared to respond safely and effectively whenever the community needs us most.
