With many ponds, lakes, and even a reservoir within our fire district, it is always important to train and review our ice rescue tactics and policies during the winter and early spring months.

This time around, we were able to hold an ice rescue drill with the Bedford Hills Fire Department, training on a large open body of water just off of Old Wagon Road.

Members from both departments met to discuss different rescue and recovery techniques for ice rescue calls as well as the various ice rescue suits, tools, and equipment available for use between the two agencies. We were also able to try out several new pieces of equipment recently acquired with purchase of our rescue truck.

Evolutions were run with mixed teams to rescue a "victim" that had been placed in a previously-cut hole in the ice. Two rescuers recovered the victims multiple times, with participants rotating through rope tender and shore support positions, incident and operations command, and safety and backup rescuers.

Photos are courtesy of BHFD member Rob Partelow.