While doing recruit training, one of the things that we need to see if they can perform, is climbing a Quint, 75 ft in the air at a 70 degree angle. While one of the recruits was climbing, and almost to the top, he accidentally hit the one of our 12 ft pike poles that is attached to the side of the ladder. The pole fell about 70 ft, straight down. It came within 10 ft of the group of recruits and instructors. It then struck the side of the Quint. If we were not paying attention to the climb, it is a possibility that someone could have been struck and severely injured during this training exercise.
LESSONS LEARNED:Always clarify the basics and safety first during ANY exercise. Take measures to make the apparatus and other equipment secure
