Fire and Ice: Mount Ayr Firefighters Face the Freeze in Advanced Rescue Training
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By Jeff Snyder
MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Snowy and frigid temperatures are not often ideal for outdoor training, but for area fire departments, the frosty conditions on Saturday were a perfect setting for its advanced training on cold water rescue and survival.
The training was conducted by Bryan Gentner from Professional Rescue Innovations, a fire training readiness company located in Adel, Iowa. (PRI) lives by the motto “Prepare for the worst. Train to be the best.”
Approximately 20 fire fighters and rescue personnel from surrounding departments attended the class. The training began with an in depth slide presentation by Gentner going over all the necessary formal education needed for the rescue teams to prepare for rescues in the harshest of environments.
Water rescues, in and of themselves, present massive challenges to the department personnel let alone when you add inclement weather and ice to the rescue.
According to Gentner, there is a formula that needs to be understood by first responders in order to maximize a positive outcome in an ice/water rescue. The 1-10-1 rule states that victims go through a series of physical effects as a result of falling into icy waters. The first is “cold shock,” which is an involuntary reaction to sudden immersion in cold water that causes immediate gasping, hyperventilation, increased heart rate and panic.
The first “1” indicates the minute of immersion needs to focus on gaining control of breathing. The body’s involuntary response to cold shock can be overcome with training and understanding of the body’s physiology. The “10” is the number of minutes where productive movement is exercised. Productive movement is considered movement that contributes to improving your position in the water. Finally, the last “1” indicates the number of hours a victim has before falling into unconsciousness, and potentially submersion and ultimately drowning.
Even strong swimmers can quickly be overcome by hypothermia and muscle cramping which can and often does lead to drowning. Gentner went on to explain that the first rule of cold water rescue is to protect yourself. If the rescue team is not properly trained or if the departments don’t possess the proper equipment then poor outcomes could result.
The enemy in cold water rescues is time. Fire departments such as Mount Ayr’s are fortunate to have a dive and rescue team already assembled and ready to assist when needed. In addition to the first class training that the department possesses, the Mount Ayr department also has state of the art equipment that increases the possibility of a positive outcome.
The team has a special trailer equipped with the latest gear including “Mustang Suits” which are specialized cold water survival suits. These suits are critical in cold water rescue as they protect the rescue team from falling victim to the same conditions that precipitated the initial call. There are “Throw bag” testing staffs, ice cleats and flotation devices that all aid in the professionalism these departments display. Mr. Gentner also displayed a new back board rescue sled that aids in the extrication of victims in close quarter areas.
The training then moved to Liberty Lake where mother nature was kind enough to present conditions that were exactly what the first responders might experience in a real life emergency. Temperatures which hovered in the low double digits along with stiff 20+ mile per hour winds with blowing snow provided a perfect outdoor classroom for the attendees.
Several of the students that had never experienced these conditions donned the Mustang suits and ventured into the icy water.
Instructor Gentner was right in the midst to provide hands on training and reassurance as the trainees got their first taste of cold water rescue. Senior members of the Mount Ayr fire department were also involved in shore support and “on ice” oversight to ensure all were safe.
It is important for the community to understand the trials and risks this “All Volunteer” department undertakes on behalf of the communities residents. They run toward danger when most are trying to flee. The risk their own safety and in many cases their own lives as a service to the community. Their efforts should never be taken for granted.
The training concluded with everyone safe and all well informed. A tireless task for the perpetually dedicated.
