Firefighters from the Fredericktown Community Fire District took the opportunity on Thursday night to practice their ice rescue skills. Despite the warm temperatures over the last few days, there is still significant ice on waterways in the district. With the ice several inches thick it provided a stable surface to work from, but firefighters know that this ice is not typically the kind that gets victims in trouble.
The training started out in the meeting room back at the firehouse with Lt. Cody Beacom and Lt. Charles Swank both going over the aspects of ice and cold-water rescue. They detailed the types of ice, what to look for, and the methods for pulling victims safely from the water.
With the assistance of the Fredericktown Recreation District, the firefighters used Sockman Lake to setup and area to run their scenarios. Firefighters and cadets all were able to participate in a variety of rescue operations from working with rope bags, reaching for victims with tools, shore tender operations, and taking turns being in the water rescue suits. While the techniques for the most part have not changed, the equipment that the FCFD utilizes have. The department still maintains several of the old USCG “gumby” suits that have little dexterity, but these have since been replaced by a much more sophisticated suit with better protection, and ability for rescuers to work.
The training only lasted a couple hours, but the skills obtained are priceless for the members of the FCFD. While most think that firefighters only rescue persons in the ice and water, over the years the department has been called upon to rescue cows, deer, and dogs from icy water conditions. Within the fire district there are a variety of rivers and streams, ponds, quarries, and two recreation waterways that we respond to. In addition to providing water rescue within the district, the FCFD also provides mutual-aid to other departments around the region. With multiple divers, underwater communications, two boats, and a dive trailer, the district is well prepared for many water emergencies.
