Local Responders Participate In Ice Rescue Training

On Saturday, January 12th the Hogansburg Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department hosted an Ice Rescue Refresher Training at HAVFD Station One. The classroom portion was taught by Adrian McDonald, New York State Fire Instructor and was attended by members of the HAVFD, Bombay Fire Department, Akwesasne Mohawk Ambulance and Akwesasne Mohawk Police Services.

Dry runs were conducted in the truck bay at the fire station until everyone was comfortable with the rescue techniques. All the gear was packed and sent to Fulton’s Woods for on-ice evaluations. Access was granted to use the property and Perry “Bones” Francis was gracious enough to plow the landing for the exercise.

The on-ice practical exercise uses trained responders as victims. Usually, a hole is cut in the ice and a responder will simulate a victim that fell through the ice. While the weather was excellent for the exercise it would not guarantee the hole would refreeze. A decision was made not to cut a hole for the safety of anyone who might travel across the ice afterwards.

A total of five rescues were practiced. Two single victim rescues, one multiple rescuer rescue and two multiple victim rescues were conducted. The last rescue was timed and both victims were rescued in 2 minutes and 58 seconds.

The ice rescue training is necessary for this community and its large amount of water and ice. The first responders are well trained and equipped for an ice rescue. It would be better if the community would acknowledge the danger of ice and stay off the frozen rivers and water bodies during the winter. Remember NO ICE IS SAFE ICE!