Fire Department - Ice Rescue Training

 

Safety Officer
Safety is always a top priority.  Consequently, there are personnel assigned to monitor all facets of any incident whether it is a drill or a live situation. 
 

Proper Technique
Firefighter George Smith is shown fully dressed in the cold water survival suit and attached to the rescue line.
  Proper Rope Technique
The rescuer approaches the victim.  He is demonstrating the correct way to hold the rope to prevent it from getting tangled.
 

Rolling into position
The rescuer lays on the ice and rolls towards the victim.  This spreads the weight over a larger area, preventing the ice from breaking.
  Preparing to enter
Once the rescuer gets to the hole, he will approach from the side and talk to the victim to reassure them and give them direction.
  Entering the water
The rescuer slides into the water and reaches around and clips the rescue rope in position.
  Hauling the victim
Once the rope is secured, the rescuer signals the on-shore personnel and they begin to haul the line.  The rescuer boosts the victim out of the water and then follows behind, both being retrieved by the same line.
  Rescuer free-floating
Firefighter Bob Reichert demonstrates the buoyancy and thermal protection afforded by the cold water survival suit.  He could comfortably stay in the 33 degree water for thirty minutes or more.