GLOUCESTER — Chief Eric Smith announces that the Gloucester Fire Department recently acquired line throwers designed to help save lives during water rescues.
The Gloucester Fire Department purchased four ResQmax™ line throwers, one for each fire station in town. The device is designed to assist during rescues near the seashore, as well as rivers, quarries and ponds.
The device can be quickly deployed to scenes, and assist in situations where it may be difficult for boats to access the victim due to hazardous conditions, including waves and rocky shorelines. The device helps to provide assistance without putting rescuers at risk.
The line thrower launches an auto-inflating flotation sling and retrieval line 300 feet from shore. The line is able to reach a victim in an inaccessible location in the water, and keep them from drifting away.
Gloucester firefighters recently completed hands-on training for the use, care, and maintenance of these devices.
“We are happy to have a tool that may make a difference in saving a life during water rescues,” Chief Smith said. “Often, firefighters and police are the first to arrive on scene in these situations. This device will allow us to quickly take action and help a victim who otherwise only would be able to be reached by U.S. Coast Guard, Gloucester Harbormaster or police patrol boats.”
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