CFD firefighters take SPRAT class

A group of Chattanooga firefighters had the chance to take part in some highly specialized rope training this week at the Academy at Vertical Consult in Ringgold, GA. With rope access work being performed as much as it is in our area, CFD sent eight members to a five-day SPRAT class. They went through the exact SPRAT Level 1 training that is given to rope access workers. It gives rope rescue technicians an idea and understanding the rope systems built how and why they are used and in case an emergency arises to a worker on ropes it helps in the rescue. The classes were 10 hours a day and the final day ended the class with a written test and a skills evaluation test that each member had to go through to demonstrate the techniques and skills they learned throughout the week. All members of the class passed both the written and evaluation.

SPRAT (Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians) was developed in the 90’s to address the needs of a growing number of companies and operators employing rope access techniques in North America. Rope Access Technicians perform work on a daily basis around the country including but not limited to jobs such as bridge inspections/maintenance, dam inspections/maintenance, high rise window cleaners, construction workers, painters, etc. Captain Adam Couch (Squad 7 Green), Captain Robert Thompson (Special Operations), Captain Richard Pershey (Engine 15 Green), Captain Chadd Nichols (Special Operations), Lt. Preston Binegar (Squad 1 Red), Lt. Joe Ervin (Squad 7 Green), Firefighter Colby Mai (Squad 7 Red), Firefighter Jeff Carlton (Squad 7 Blue) participated in the SPRAT class.