Ice Rescue Training

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Ice rescues on fractured, broken or thin ice are very dangerous for first responders, and because of this it is imperative that rescuers have the proper training and equipment.  Recently, the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the San Bernardino County Fire Department performed a joint ice rescue drill on Jackson Lake, near Wrightwood, California, a lake which has become known for its treacherous conditions.

Conditions on Lakes That Lead to Ice Rescue

Captain Jim Pearson, the Senior Training Officer for the San Bernardino County Fire Department explains, "Unlike some of the East Coast lakes, where you can drive cars on them and walk around quite safely, it's not advisable here.  Unfortunately people ignore the warnings and signs and get into trouble.  Oftentimes we've lost a lot of people, unfortunately here."

Some years there have only been a handful of rescues made at the lake, while in others there have been dozens, depending on the ice condition.  Pearson says, "More problems occur when it is colder because we have more ice forming.  When there's a little bit of ice, people don't venture out as much."

Los Angeles County Fire Department and San Bernardino Fire Department's Joint Response and Training

Jackson Lake is a joint-response area between the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the San Bernardino County Fire Department.  The San Bernardino County Fire Department's Wrightwood Fire Station is located 15 minutes from the lake, whereas, Los Angeles County Fire Department's nearest crew is 30 minutes away.  Thus, personnel from the San Bernardino County Fire Department are always first on scene, and the rescue equipment is stored at their station.  However, both agencies must be trained on the ice rescue procedures for redundancy, and approximately 3/4 of the firefighters at this winter's drill were doing it for the first time.

Captain Edward Johnson of Los Angeles County Fire Department's US&R Program explains, "They (San Bernardino County firefighters) are trained in those wet suits.  They are trained in them year-round.  We only do this once or twice a year with them, but they do it regularly, so they are here like that.  They'll have a person in the water before a helicopter would get here or any other assistance."

Ice Rescue Equipment

The firefighters have the latest in ice rescue equipment, which was purchased last year using a generous donation from the Timberline Lion's Club in Wrightwood.  The wet suits they wear are one piece, including a hood, gloves and boots.  They are sealed so that they can be worn over the rescuers' clothing, and provide them with buoyancy and warmth.  They also wear a personal flotation device, and a swift water helmet.

Another important component of their gear is a rescue sled.  Captain Pearson says, "The sled there is designed for ice rescue.  We have a variety of other flotation-type devices that will spread out the rescuer's weight over the ice, and ultimately the victim's as well, and it is buoyant, as you can see.  A lot of times they'll end up back in the water on the ice's edge, and it's not a problem because of the flotation that the rescuers are carrying and the back-up that the board provides as well."  The rescuer and the victim are both attached to the sled and are pulled to shore with ropes.

Importance of Ice Rescue Training

The joint drill was performed over three days so that all shifts of personnel from both fire departments could participate.   The training was straightforward and something that all fire departments who make ice rescue responses should do regularly, as Captain Johnson says, "It's very easy.  It's basically just putting on a wet suit, having someone assist you and going out in the water, listening to instruction from the guys that have been doing this for many years."

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