VIDEO: Ledyard Fire/Rescue Performs on Ice

Members of Ledyard Fire Company #1 conducted ice rescue training off Sandy Hollow Road on a recent winter night when the temperatures were cold and wind was blowing. They used Mustang Ice Commander suits and a deployable rescue craft.

Ledyard Fire Company #1 Chief John Doucette had this to say about the training:

The inflatable craft is stored on board our Rescue truck. Upon arrival at the scene, the craft is attached to one of our SCBA (breathing air) cylinders and filled in less than a minute. Simultaneously, rescuers are donning the Mustang Ice Commander suits. The suits protect and keep the firefighter dry, whether on the ice or in the water. The suit also provides buoyancy for the rescuer.

Rescuers and the rescue craft are secured to firefighters on shore using floating tether lines.  As shown in the photo, the craft is maneuvered by two firefighters across the ice to effect the rescue.  Once the victim is pulled out of the water and onto the craft, the rescuers and victim signals to shore for firefighters to pull the craft in as they ride on board.  Medical attention would then be given to the victim.

In addition to this practical exercise, classroom instruction on hypothermia, medical emergencies and rescue theory are given. After training, members are taught care and maintenance of rescue equipment.

The combined use of the Ice Commander suits and Deployable Rescue Craft greatly enhances the Ledyard Fire Company's ability to save a life should someone fall through the ice anywhere in town. This equipment allows for quick access to victims and protects the safety of our firefighters.

This equipment can be used in unfrozen bodies of water as well. The Deployable Rescue Craft can be paddled onto a body of water during the summer to rescue people in distress.

The Ledyard Fire Company reminds children and those who use the ice recreationally, to have an experienced adult check the thickness of the ice prior to crossing a frozen body of water. When using the ice during the winter months for recreational purposes, we also recommend that someone on shore is keeping an eye on you and has a cell phone ready in case of emergency.  

Only trained rescuers should attempt to save someone who has fallen through the ice.  Oftentimes, would-be rescuers end up as a second or third victim in ice rescue situations.

The Ledyard Fire Company #1 posted additional photos of their ice rescue training on their Facebook page.