Potsdam Firefighters joined firefighters from Lisbon, Helena, Hopkinton, and West Stockholm along with members of Massena Rescue to hone their ice rescue skills. St. Lawrence County Underwater Recovery Team Dive Master Mark Smutz and several members of the team presented a very informative hands-on training course at the West Stockholm Fire Station. Three practical skills stations were set up to allow firefighters to practice their skills deploying a throw bag and rescue disc along with two different simulated rescue scenarios involving a victim through the ice. Firefighters were also given the opportunity to practice their line handling skills keeping the rescuer safe.
FF Kyle Berry receiving instruction on approaching the victim.
FF Kyle Berry approaching the victim during the broken ice simulated rescue.
Assistant Chief Tim Jerome making the rescue.
Assistant Chief Jerome and the victim being pulled from the water during the broken ice rescue.
Dive Master Mark Smutz briefs responders on the training evolutions. (Photo by Rob Snow)
Chief Taylor signals the line handlers to start pulling the victim to safety. (Photo by Rob Snow)
