Ice/Cold Water Rescue Training For OFD

Oskaloosa Fire Department

On March 29th and 30th, eight members of the Oskaloosa Fire Department participated in the rescue skills weekend hosted by the Grinnell Fire Department.

Five Firefighters attended the Ice/Cold Water rescue class. This class combined lecture and in water training on equipment and procedures for an emergency involving a person or animal that has fallen through thin ice or into cold water.
Conditions were perfect on the water. Ice cover varied from 0” to 8” and was very unstable. This made for excellent training as the Firefighters never knew for sure which step would plunge them into the cold water. Once a Firefighter fell in, the team employed several different techniques to “rescue” the victim.

Unfortunately, cold water emergencies are far too common in Iowa. The Oskaloosa Fire Department urges people to ALWAYS wear a USCG approved Personal Flotation Device when on or within 10 feet of water.

Two Firefighters attended the Agricultural Emergency class where they learned about the special considerations a rescuer needs to take into account when dealing with Ag machinery. Finally, one Firefighter attended a trench rescue class and learned how to safely extract someone who has had an excavated trench collapse on them.

All Firefighters came away from this training with valuable skills and knowledge that will benefit the people of Mahaska county should the need arise.