Though they hope to never have to use it, the Clarion Fire Department is now better prepared should they have to engage in ice or cold-water rescues. The department recently received several pieces of new equipment that will enhance their rescue efforts.
Captain Gene Rosenbaum explained the different items that they acquired in the past several weeks. New Ice Commander suits will give the firemen the ability to float in icy cold water for hours if needed. They look a bit like space suits and are fully sealed except in the face. They also received several life vests and 300 feet of floating rope that will help those on shore or in boats with extractions.
Other special equipment includes a floating sling that they can put over a victim during a rescue, even if the person is unconscious. A specialized rescue sled was also purchased. This contraption lets rescuers safely approach a victim on ice. The sled can be a self-rescue reaching device. The victim’s forearms can go through a sling on the sled so they can be pulled aboard from a safe position by rescuers. The sled can also function as a stretcher.
Rosenbaum says that this new equipment will help the Clarion Fire Department aid and act as back-up to Search and Rescue. They hope to do some training with that group in the near future to learn the equipment and be even better prepared.
The purchase of the new equipment was funded in part by a grant provided by the Wright County Charitable Foundation, in addition to other fundraisers such as the department’s pancake feed and the truck show.
Rosenbaum said that continually acquiring new equipment is important for the department to remain effective, ready and up-to-date. Though they never want to use that life-saving equipment, they are thankful that they have access to it at a moment’s notice.
