Mutual Aid Ice Rescue Drill-Zabriskie Pond Wyckoff
By Firefighter Joe Gallup
January 18, 2010
On Monday January 18th, the Oakland Fire Department participated in a mutual aid Ice Rescue drill in Wyckoff along with Franklin Lakes, Waldwick and Wyckoff fire departments. The focus of the training drill was to teach multiple agencies how to work together. Responders from different towns need to be able to blend their professional skills seamlessly in order to coordinate an effective ice rescue.
The training exercise focused on donning the cold water dry suits (gumby), utilizing rescue sleds, stokes baskets and rescue tools. The training evolutions included self rescue, one on one rescue (one victim/one rescuer) and two man rescues. Rescuers working from the shoreline controlled the advancement of the victim and rescuer using tethered safety ropes. Colored ropes are deployed to identify which rope is attached to the rescuer and the sled. Shoreline personnel pull the rescuer, victim and the rescue sled simultaneously to ensure a safe coordinated return to shore.
In the event of an actual ice rescue our ability to deploy personnel and equipment safely and quickly can make the difference in saving a life.
Units:
1050, 1042, 1044
Mutual Aid:
Franklin Lakes, Waldwick, Wyckoff, Ridgewood OEM, Wyckoff First Aid Squad
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