While many people turned up the furnace and stayed indoors during the recent cold snap, a group of local emergency responders jumped into the frigid waters of Rosen Lake for ice rescue training.

“We had 13 participants this year, with some taking the training for the first time and others doing their required re-certification,” explained Elk Valley & South Country Rural Fire & Rescue Service Fire Chief Dave Boreen, who coordinated the training. “From learning vital assessment skills to understanding how to undertake self-rescue and group rescues, the two-day course is an intensive, hands-on experience.”

Taking part in this round of training were students from the Regional District of East Kootenay’s South Country Fire Departments, Fernie Fire Rescue, Fernie Search and Rescue, Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services Department, and Crowsnest Pass Fire Rescue.

“This is the kind of training you hope you never need,” added Boreen. “In spite of the rigorous physical demands of this course and the frigid conditions they are all working in, it is always inspiring to see everyone focused on learning the core skills and working together to put all the pieces in play.”

The two-day course was instructed by Rescue Canada and all 13 participants achieved their Ice Safety Rescue Technician Level 2 certification, which is valid for three years.

Photos courtesy RDEK

RDEK

Article Share