This was one of the unusual calls that you can sit around the firehouse for weeks or months and never get one. Let me tell you about this one. As I was walking from my car into the firehouse I heard someone yelling something which I couldn't make out to well or where it was coming from. As I continued to hear someone shouting, I finally realized it was a guy way up on the communications tower behind Station 9. The tower is approximately 300 feet high and the patient was almost at the top yelling at me that his climbing partner was having chest pains and needed help. I then told the worker to secure the patient to the tower until I could get them some help.

I went back in the station and called communications and that got the assignment for a High Angle Rescue responding. I guess there were others listening to the call and Squad 3 (Lt. Martin) and Squad 7 (Chief Ricky Brady) along with our Tower 9 (Captain Adams) were on the road almost right away after dispatch. Lexington Park Rescue Squad (Chief Shawn Davidson) also responded with the county medic unit. Tower 9 made their way down the power line to see if they could be of assistance from there. Fire Chief 3 (Joe Gould) arrived on scene and assumed the overall incident command. The squads have much rope and I'm sure that they were well prepared to assist the gentleman down but before that could happen one of the workers went up and secured the man to the rope and tackle and along with himself carefully lower him down to the waiting fire and rescue personnel who quickly carried him to the waiting ambulance. He was transported to St. Mary's Hospital. Everybody from the different departments had a nice talk and pat each other on the back for a job that would have been well done if their services had been needed. Maybe next time and with all these towers going up you never know when that call might be. I know that we will be ready with the talented firefighters we are fortunate to have here in good old St. Mary's County.

Oh and remember to always keep your eyes and ears open and don't forget to look up. Never know who might need your help.