Cartersville, GA – June 16, 2016 – Hiking trails within Cartersville are becoming a favorite activity for many, which has resulted in an increased call volume for the local fire department. With an increased possibility of emergency situations arising, Cartersville Fire Department recently conducted some specialized training on the City of Cartersville Pine Mountain Trails. There are two loops connecting Pine Mountain – the East Loop and the West Loop. This is a rugged and challenging hike that reaches 1,562 feet above sea level. Once you reach the top of this mountain you will be at the highest point in the City of Cartersville. This land is part of 13,000 acres that was the original site of Mark Anthony Cooper’s Iron Empire. Pine Mountain Recreation Area now includes a connector to the US Army Corps of Engineers Cooper’s Furnace Trail.
According to Cartersville Fire Chief Scott Carter the department has received more calls for assistance this year than in years past. Chief Carter explained,” we have seen more citizens and guest using these beautiful trails. That is a positive, the negative is this has resulted in more situations where hikers have gotten lost or they simply became physically distressed.” Carter went on to say,” we wanted to be proactive and check our departments procedures and technical skills to see if we had a cap in our service delivery, we needed to put to a test what we can do and what we need to do. The exercise was very successful for us from that stand point.”
Firefighters from Cartersville, including members of their specialized Emergency Response Team (ERT), were put to the test. They were give a scenario of a “lost hiker” on the trail. The firefighters were dispatched and had to locate the hiker. He was quickly found. Once the “lost hiker” was found, responders learned that he had fallen from a high point on the trail. Firefighters had to preform emergency medical care in the field and the preform aspects of technical rescue to secure the patient and lower him to a safe location. This required the testing of firefighter’s teamwork, rope skills and other technical aspects of this special rescue. It took firefighters less than one hour from arrival until the “lost hiker” was turned over from more advanced medical care. Cartersville Battalion Chief Mark Bagley who oversees the ERT was pleased with the team’s performance. Chief Bagley stated, “Our guys were able to problem solve, find our victim and safely extract them from the mountain. It’s one of those things we hope we never have to do but we feel better prepared because of this drill” Bagley went on to say, “if someone becomes lost or injured, call 911 and be able to give as much information as possible. Be able to describe surroundings, last marker seen, anything that will help us pinpoint the locations. With greater than 10,000 acres, that is a lot of territory to search.”
Currently officials from Cartersville Fire Department and Cartersville Department of Recreation have been reviewing procedures that are in place. New markings are being placed on the trails to help hikers safely find their way along the trails. Fire department officials are redrafting their response procedures partly based on lessons learned from this drill. Chief Carter went on to say, ”Greg Anderson and his staff have lead the way with one of the best trail systems anywhere, we just want to make sure we are as prepared as possible if an emergency occurs.” He also stated,” We ask those that hike to use sensible guidelines, be watchful of your surroundings and pay close attention to trail markings and location. This assist us in finding you if you need us. Make sure you wear the proper clothing and foot wear for hiking. Hike in pairs using a buddy system and know that the trails can be physically demanding at time.
For More information on the trail system within Cartersville you are encouraged to contact the Cartersville Recreation Department at 770-387-5626 or go to the City of Cartersville web site at www.cityofcartersville.org . Here you will find a link to the recreation department where you can learn more about the trail system and safety tips for hikers.