Area agencies recently teamed up for specialized water rescue training.
Glen Lake Fire Department trained with the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Park Service for water rescue responses.
Crews learned the proper procedures for safely transferring a patient into a helicopter from the deck of the GLFD Rescue/Fire boat. The USCG brought its rescue helicopter to the Dunes parking lot to live practice these maneuvers.
All three agencies are often called upon to help citizens needing assistance on the water. This training helped to coordinate the efforts of personnel who do not often have opportunity to work together. The training involved classroom lecture on what to expect with rescues involving boats and air crews.
The GLFD Rescue/Fire boat was toured and shown how it will assist and interact with USCG rescue crews and NPS personnel. The Rescue/Fire boat presents the unique possibility that patients may be lifted off the deck of the boat rather than directly from the water. Finally, all were given the opportunity to practice ground exercises to hoist the rescue basket into the USCG helicopter.
All three agencies are now more familiar with GLFD Rescue/Fire boat operation and capabilities. This was an excellent example of inter-agency cooperation to further protect the lives of area citizens and visitors.
