| This past Saturday members of Jarrettsville, Norrisville, and Fallston braved the cold to refresh their ice rescue training skills. Captain Bill Reeder along with members of the Susquehanna Hose Company, Norrisville, and Level VFC graciously gave up their Saturday morning to come to Jarrettsville and teach these important rescue skills.
Captain Reeder first went over ice rescue terminology and the hazards of conducting ice rescues in an excellent PowerPoint presentation before heading up to Clear Meadow Farm in White Hall. The pond worked perfectly due to the varying thicknesses of ice encountered. The ice ranged from an inch thick to over six inches. The latter requiring a chainsaw to make holes for our simulated rescues.
Volunteers donned ice rescue suits, cold water suits, and personal floatation devices to go out onto the ice and then into the water. Scenarios included using rope throw bags, a water rescue sling, an inflatable raft, roof ladders, pike poles, and even inflating a section of 3" fire hose to facilitate the rescues.
Once complete, lunch was provided by the Jarrettsville Auxiliary at house 1. Thanks again to Bill, Martin, and Brandon as well as the members of the Susquehanna Hose Company for their knowledge in this important training. Thanks also to the Rose Family and Clear Meadow Farm for the use of their pond.
As a reminder, you should NEVER venture out onto the ice. |
