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The training session began with a “Cold Water Boot Camp
Video” presented by S&R team member Bill Baer. Paul Cradit then
spoke to the firefighters regarding qualified personnel,
awareness and the technical considerations at a rescue scene.
Melanie Fullman then spoke to the crew about sizing up the
scene, ICS, Mutual Aid and the work plan. Melanie spoke
quite a bit about the use of GPS in the Search and Rescue
Operation. One of the things that she told the potential
rescuers serves as good advice for anyone venturing on or in the
lake, or venturing out into the forest. That is, make sure you
have your GPS calibrated correctly and when giving your
co-ordinates state them in Degrees: Minutes.minutes, NOT Degrees:Minutes.Seconds.
The failure to communicate the proper location will slow down
the rescue attempt.
After Melanie’s presentation the
group headed across the road to
Fishtales Resort,
where an equipment survey and in water training would
take place.
The Firefighter’s from the LGVFD as you might expect had a
considerable amount of rescue gear. The group spent some time
observing the inflatable boat used for both in the water and on
ice rescues. Regrettably, too many residents and visitors fail
to use better judgment when venturing out onto frozen lakes. The
result of that poor judgment puts not only them at risk, but
also puts the lives of the rescue team in peril as well.
The approximately 20 members of the Search and rescue team are
“volunteers” just as our firefighters. They do not receive any
compensation for their great work.
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above - Brian Berquist (left) demonstrates inflatable rescue device.
Michael Tilley (right) member of GS&R Team looks on. |
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pictured above - Search and Rescue diver, John Cox demonstrates uses for
some of his gear. |
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Above -Melanie Fullman, shows haw a victim with a possible spinal injury
can be loaded onto the rescue craft. In the boat is S&R team member Paul
Cradit, assisted by Michael Tilley.
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The inflatable boat is quite interesting, while it might not win any
beauty contests; it is well designed and engineered for the task of rescue
work. Both the bow and stern have openings large enough to bring a victim
aboard. What appears to be a reasonably small craft can actually
carry approximately 20 people to shore, either on board or hanging on to
the lines along the crafts sides.
After the review of the safety
equipment and its proper use, the group headed into the cold water of Lake
Gogebic. The firefighters took turns being the victims in the water and
the rescuers in the watercraft.
In the water the firefighters wore
protective suits, again not very stylish but impressively effective. The
suits kept the men and women warm and dry, and they also provide buoyancy.
Members of the Gogebic Search and Rescue Team along with the county’s
Firefighters are all volunteers, members that we work side by side with
each day of the week. They spend many hours each year training in
preparation for the inevitable catastrophe. |
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IronwoodInfo.com is a Michigan,
Non-Profit Media Corporation
Contact
IronwoodInfo.com
email:
mail@ironwoodinfo.com
snail mail: P.O. Box 305 Ironwood, MI 49938
Telephone
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Fax
906-884-2544
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