Bayport FD Braves the Ice

More than 70 members of fire departments throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties attended an Ice Rescue Course fundraiser hosted by Engine Company #1.

This 16 hour, two-day course, taught by Life Guard Systems, gave firefighters and emergency medical service personnel (EMS) the chance to learn and practice skills to help save a person or persons who have fallen through or who have become trapped on the ice.

Saturday, the first day  was spent in the classroom learning the technical skills on how to rescue a victim and Sunday was spent at the Girls Scout camp practicing the hands-on skills in and on the frozen lake. Members not only got to practice their newly acquired skills on how to rescue a victim, but also felt what it was like to be the one who had to be rescued.

Much time and training went into this course, from how to properly throw a rope bag to how you slide across the ice on a rescue sled and remove the victim bringing them safely back to shore. Although some of the exercises only require one person to be on the ice and remove the victim, this is by no means a one person operation, and at times requires at least four or five people to safely and efficiently remove the victim.

Engine Company #1 would like to thank the Girl Scout camp for allowing us to use the facility and the Community Ambulance of Sayville for providing an ambulance and EMTs to standby on Sunday should any medical emergency have arisen.

Should you or any member of your family over the age of 18 wish to become a member or learn information about how to join the Bayport Fire Department, please feel free to call our non-emergency phone number at 472-0641.

Bob Fleming is the 2nd Assistant Chief of Bayport FD.