Aerial Rescue Training Day

It may look strange: a group of arborists hoisting a dummy into the trees in winter sunshine.

But this is an important ritual for all at Smart Feller Tree Works. We hoist the dummy up and practice an awful scenario that all arborists prepare for: What would we do if an arborist or a rogue tree climber meets an accident in the tree, and another person must get that person to the ground, safely?

It’s not as unlikely as it sounds. When such a scenario occurs, the Fire Department often calls a local arborist in to help. We all train for the swiftest safest rescue of a fellow arborist or a rogue climber.

Our training this year was led by arborist and contract climber Maria Tranguch. Maria provided fresh ideas, troubleshooting, and advice to all of us, both experienced and new on the team.

Photographs by David Eichner