It's not every day that High Cliff State Park becomes your classroom. 

Fox Valley Technical College offers a challenging and comprehensive Technical Rescue course every semester that equips Fire Protection Technician students with critical skills in technical rescue. The class focuses on three specialized areas of technical rescue: operations level ropes, technical level confined space and operational trench rescue. 

The training begins at the FVTC Public Safety Training Center, but a practical final for ropes is held at High Cliff State Park near Sherwood. 

The scenic location, with its challenging terrain, allows students to apply their training in real-world rescue scenarios. 

During the rope rescue segment, students learn to raise and lower themselves and survivors using technical rope systems. They practice building rope systems with mechanical advantages and leverage high points, such as aerial fire department vehicles. 

Students are challenged to think critically, adapt to new situations and work seamlessly as a team, which are essential skills in high-stakes rescues. 

Fire Protection instructor Christopher Fischer integrates employability essentials into the curriculum. The course not only builds technical proficiency but also fosters leadership, communication and decision-making abilities. 

“There are hundreds of specific skills and competencies the students learn and master throughout the course, and we integrate employability essentials throughout,” Chris explains. “The ability to adapt and act, the amount of critical thinking for students in this class is off the charts and working as a team is an absolute must.” 

The students even had the opportunity to assist FVTC President Dr. Chris Matheny in rappelling down a 30-foot cliff during their time at High Cliff State Park. 

Learn more about FVTC Employability Essentials.  

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