Firefighter Andrew Poitras paddles through a strong current as he uses a Rescue-Alive-Sled to rescue firefighter Sean Bushnell, who is through the ice on Beaver Brook behind the Army Spc. Mathew G. Boule Memorial Park off Lakeview Avenue. (Courtesy Dracut Fire Department) Captain Michael Cunha and Lieutenant Paul Martin manage safety tether lines as a firefighter and victim are pulled back to shore. (Courtesy Dracut Fire Department) Firefighter Brian Gagnon swims toward the ice to conduct a rescue. (Courtesy Dracut Fire Department) A firefighter rolls after getting onto the ice to avoid breaking ice beneath him as he moves toward a victim. (Courtesy Dracut Fire Department) Firefighter Brian Gagnon plays the part of a victim who has broken through the ice while another firefighter begins a rescue attempt. (Courtesy Dracut Fire Department) Captain Michael Cunha gives a hand signal for other firefighters to begin pulling him and Firefighter Derek Santos, who is role playing as a victim, into shore. Cunha had already secured Firefighter Santos to a Rescue-Alive-Sled before giving the signal. (Courtesy Dracut Fire Department) A firefighter uses a spike at the end of an oar to pull himself and the Recue-Alive Sled up onto the ice shelf to rescue firefighter Ryan Charette, who is role playing as a victim. (Courtesy Dracut Fire Department)
DRACUT — Chief Richard Patterson reports that Dracut Fire Department members participated in ice rescue training in Beaver Brook last week, as temperatures have made ice in the region potentially dangerous.
On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday of last week, Dracut firefighters trained in ice rescues on a portion of Beaver Brook that runs behind the Army Spc. Mathew G. Boule Memorial Park off Lakeview Avenue. Crews practiced for about three hours each day, with all Department members participating.
Firefighters took turns rescuing one another from on the ice, through the ice, and from the side of the ice, under the direction of Deputy Chief Alex Voulgaris. Conditions posed significant challenges, such as a swift current in Beaver Brook in the area, strong winds, and melting ice.
Firefighters practiced throwing ropes to those who were close enough to shore, swimming in protective suits to reach some victims, and using a Rescue-Alive-Sled to reach those farthest away.
Deputy Chief Voulgaris said residents should stay off the ice due to recent high temperatures.
“This training was rigorous and took a lot of energy as members practiced overcoming currents, strong winds and low temperatures while making rescues,” said Chief Patterson. “Our members work hard when they’re not out on calls because it is training like this that prepares us for when emergencies occur. We work hard now so that we’re as prepared and effective as possible when lives are on the line.”
The Dracut Fire Department would also like to share the following tips for staying safe on ice:
- Never go onto the ice alone. A friend may be able to rescue you from shore or go for help if you fall through the ice.
- Go out onto the ice prepared. Make sure to have a cell phone with you in case of emergency, as well as rope or ice picks to help you or someone you’re with should someone fall in.
- Always keep your pets on a leash. If a pet falls through the ice do not attempt a rescue. Call 911 instead.
- New ice is usually stronger than old ice. As the ice ages, the bond between the crystals decays, making it weaker, even if melting has not occurred.
- Beware of ice covered with snow. Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong, but can also insulate it to keep it from freezing.
- Slush indicates that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom and can be weak or deteriorating.
- Ice formed over flowing water (rivers or lakes containing a large number of springs) is generally more dangerous and should be avoided.
- Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate. It can be one foot thick in one spot and be only one inch thick 10 feet away.
What To Do If Someone Falls Through Ice:
- Reach-Throw-Go: If someone falls through the ice, call 911. If you are unable to reach that person from shore, throw them something (rope, jumper cables, tree branch, etc.). If this does not work, go for help, but do not attempt to go out onto the ice to rescue them.
- Get medical assistance for the victim immediately.
- If you fall in, try not to panic. Turn toward the direction you came from. Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface, working forward by kicking your feet. Once out, remain lying on the ice (do not stand) and roll away from the hole. Crawl back to your tracks, keeping your weight distributed until you return to solid ice. Once safe, find shelter and change out of your wet clothes. Seek medical assistance immediately.