(From the Springfield Fire Department)When frigid weather arrives and the general public are bundled up indoors, the Springfield Fire Department Water Rescue Team gears up and heads out to practice ice rescue.
Every year, 250 Americans die after falling into icy ponds, lakes, and streams and rescuers have only moments to respond and bring victims to safety. Team members braved the cold this week to practice safely breaking through the ice, executing self-rescue and victim movement maneuvers.
The Springfield Fire Department reminds the public to stay off the ice.
“While at the surface the ice appears solid and capable of supporting your weight, the reality is much different which could result in falling through the ice into very cold water,” Springfield Fire Chief David Pennington says. “This becomes a dangerous and very serious situation very quickly.”
If you witness someone playing on ice or who has fallen through the ice, the Fire Department wants to remind you of a few important actions to help save a life.Call 9-1-1 so that the Water Rescue Team is promptly notified and responding.
If safe to do so, maintain voice and visual contact with the victim. Provide encouragement and assurance that help is on the way. Be prepared to assist in guiding responders to the location.
Do not attempt rescue.
“Our teams use special equipment to safely work in this environment; without it, the risk to anyone entering the water is extreme," Battalion Chief of EMS and Special Operations Christopher Roush said.
“Please, for your safety, just stay off the ice,” Pennington said.
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