Rescue training

The High Steel Bridge is known for its breathtaking views, but it also has a history of misfortune.

The area surrounding the 375-foot-tall bridge, including the deep canyon that plunges into the south fork of the Skokomish River, is restricted to hikers but that doesn't stop them, Mason County Fire District 6 Assistant Chief Cody Daggett told the Journal.

Daggett ran a search and rescue training at the bridge April 24 and 25 for attendees to get certified in rope rescue.

District 6 is the only organization in Washington that issues accreditation for level 1 and 2 rope rescue technicians, he said.

The two-day periodic closure of the bridge allowed training in lowering systems, belaying, litter rigging and other techniques.

Certification involves field training, class time and written tests, Daggett said.

After two days at the High Steel Bridge, the group will use the roof of Little Creek Casino's parking structure to train. Daggett said the Squaxin Island Tribe have been good partners.

"We really appreciate them doing it," Daggett said. "They've been fantastic."

On a rainy Thursday, Daggett stood just off the bridge watching members of South Mason Fire & Rescue, Mason County Sheriff's Office, Oak Harbor Fire Department, Pacific County Sheriff's office and McLane Black Lake Fire Department in Thurston

County rig a litter to hoist a dummy off the railing.

It was the second day of training and instructors "stepped back a bit" to let the trainees take control, Daggett said.

In minutes, the dummy was successfully strapped into a yellow transport stretcher, partially lowered down the mountainside and back up again with the help of a Mason County Sheriff's officer who was roped alongside.

About 10 people were helping with the operation. In a real rescue, Daggett said he likes to have "as many as you can get."

Daggett has a history with High Steel Bridge.

He learned rope rescue at a training on the bridge, and he was also involved in a "crazy rescue" there in 2010, when a helicopter flew under the bridge to pick up an injured hiker, he said.

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island's search and rescue team piloted the helicopter along the canyon and crewmembers watched from open doors to ensure the rotors cleared, according to news reports at the time.

The helicopter was able to hover while rescuers hoisted up a 15-year-old girl, who had fallen while hiking with her family.

"People try to go down the trails and end up slipping and going to the bottom," he said.

Looking at the narrow path that plunges straight down alongside the bridge, it seems hard to believe people attempt hiking there, "but they do. That's why we're still here," Daggett said.