Safety is always our number one priority with training and real missions.  As firefighters we do training burns, as swiftwater rescuers we swim in rapids, as confined space rescuers we enter confined spaces, and as rope rescue technicians we work in the vertical world.  Is risk envolved while working in these environments, yes.  However that's why we mitigate it with engineered systems, included safety factors, and top level training.  During a real rescue you can't control all of the variables that you can during a training day.  The risk of sending a rescuer into this situation that has never worked in that environment is far more dangerous than providing training for it.  Of the thousands of fire departments and SAR teams within the country that provide rope rescue, I don't know of any that don't practice with their personnel in the steep/vertical environment.  We appreciate the concern for our rescue agencies and strive to provide the best possible service we can to our community.