Owen-Withee-Curtiss Fire did Ice Water Rescue Training at their January 12 Fire Training night. Throw bags are used for members who do not have Ice Water Technician training and can be thrown from the shoreline so the person can grab onto it and be pulled out. They also trained with their inflatable boat that can be used to help members transverse the ice without falling through. In addition, they have a buoyant platform to work from to remove people from the water.
Bob Wilczek traveled to Hustisford, WI to become certified in teaching the Ice Water Rescue Technician class. The first day was a skills refresher course. On day two, they had to treat the class as if they were teaching it. They were trained in how to use an inflatable boat to access a victim in frozen water and remove them. They were also taught how to identify a victim that has gone under water. When lakes are frozen, they are often much more clear and allow technicians to visually see victims, who are usually only 1-2 feet below the water surface.
Having completed the class, Wilczek will now be able to offer training to area firefighters.