Minnesota Agencies Practice Rescue Missions On Valleyfair Rides

Minnesota's largest amusement park served a dual purpose and was used for training for fire departments. The Duluth Fire Department shared photos of them repelling off roller coasters and even the Power Tower.

The Duluth Fire Department trained at Valleyfair in Shakopee, and also at Bloomington Fire and in Hastings, Minnesota. The training involved advanced rope rescue techniques.

Joining Duluth Fire was Minnesota Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 1 and 2 and the Dakota County Special Operations Team.

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They practiced rescue drill son the park attractions like the Corkscrew rollercoaster and the Power Tower. Of course this training will help out with park safety, but the skills are transferable to other rescue situations.

In fact, one of the participating agencies recently used these types of skills in rescuing a man who climbed to the top of a radio tower.

They also trained in ravines. Part of the training's goal was to share skills and knowledge between departments and team members. The Shakopee Fire Department was also part of the three-day training.

The high-angle rope training skills also will help firefighters in rescue operations on towers, bridges, cliffs, confined spaces, tall buildings, and structural collapses.