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Largo Firefighter Seriously Injured During Training

Rappelling | Belay | Climbing

A Largo firefighter was seriously injured Wednesday (Nov. 2) when his equipment failed during a training exercise, officials said.

LARGO – A firefighter fell on his back when his equipment failed while he was rappelling out of a window during a training exercise.

Largo city officials did not release his name. He was taken to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg where he was listed in stable condition.

The state Fire Marshal is expected to conduct an investigation, which is standard practice when a serious injury occurs. The city has also hired an independent company to evaluate the scene, the equipment and interview those who were there when the fall happened.

Largo Fire Rescue recently purchased Bail Out Equipment designed for firefighters to use when caught in a burning structure and can escape only through a window that is above grade. A firefighter is attached to a belay line that is secured to a separate harness. The belay line is tied off to a petzl, a device that is designed to stop the descent should a firefighter fall. During Wednesday (Nov. 2) morning’s training exercise, officials said both the belay line and petzl failed, causing the firefighter to fall one story (14 feet) and land on his back.

For information about Largo Fire Rescue, go to largo.com.

Largo Fire Rescue | Firefighter Injured | Rappelling | Tampa Bay Reporter

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