First Responders need to PLAN for, TRAIN for, and acquire the RESOURCES required to safely and effectively RESPOND to and MANAGE emergency incidents on and through the ice.
Lifesaving Resources (lifesaving.com) conducts Ice Rescue AWARENESS, OPERATIONS and TECHNICIAN level courses to provide First Responders with the skills and knowledge required to safely and effectively respond to these types of emergencies.
Two Technician level courses will be conducted in Scarborough, Maine on Saturday, February 9 and Saturday, March 9. Both courses are scheduled from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM and include 4-hours classroom and 5-hours of practical training on and through the ice.
The company will also conduct their annual INTERNATIONAL ICE RESCUE TRAIN-THE-TRAINER ACADEMY, February 21 - 24, in Portland, Maine. This intensive, comprehensive, and boot-camp style training Academy is designed to train and authorize First Responders as ICE RESCUE INSTRUCTORS. Upon successful completion of the Academy, graduates will be authorized to conduct training and certify course participants within their own department/agency. The Academy includes the Technician level certification curriculum, in addition to the Instructor Training component.
Meanwhile, Lifesaving Resources advocates the following:
1. No Ice is Safe Ice! Be sure you have at least 5" of new, clear, hard ice before venturing out!
2. Carry a pee-less plastic whistle to signal for help in the event of an emergency!
3. Carry a set of ice picks/awls so you can pick your way out onto solid ice in the event of a fall through!
4. Wear a float-coat to provide you with warmth and buoyancy!
5. Keep pets under control and off the ice!
6. In the event someone falls through the ice, immediately call 911! Only attempt to perform a shore-based rescue by throwing or extending something to the victim from the safety of the shore while waiting for First Responders to arrive.
For information/registration on ice safety and rescue, or to register for a Lifesaving Resources ICE RESCUE training course, access the Lifesaving Resources' website at www.lifesaving.com, or call 207/967-8614.
Lifesaving Resources (www.lifesaving.com) is a private company dedicated to drowning and aquatic injury prevention and emergency management. Located in Kennebunkport, Maine, Lifesaving Resources is recognized both nationally and internationally as a leader in Ice and Water Rescue training programs for First Responders. The company develops educational programs in Water Rescue, Swiftwater Rescue, Ice Rescue, Lifeguarding, Drowning Prevention and Aquatics Safety, and conducts this training throughout North America as well as Internationally. The company conducts an annual INTERNATIONAL ICE RESCUE TRAIN-THE-TRAINER ACADEMY, as well as an INTERNATIONAL WATER RESCUE TRAIN-THE-TRAINER ACADEMY. The purpose of these internationally-recognized Academies is to train and authorize Ice and Water Rescue Instructors for Fire, Rescue, EMS, and Law Enforcement agencies. For information on any of their programs, please access their website at www.lifesaving.com.