25 January 2024
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Members of the Shawnee Heights Fire District (SFHD) and the Douglas County Consolidated Fire Department District #1 recently attended training to earn certifications in ice rescues.
Firefighter and Paramedic Kristopher Dodds said the SHFD tries to attend an ice rescue course each year. The training course is provided by Trident Rescue with local instructors. This year, 20 people were earning their initial certification for ice rescues and six were earning recertification.
Dodds said the fire department will hold ice rescue training on any type of ice.
“We like to see the ice a little thinner so we can practice on what we’re going to be doing,” Dodds said.
Dodds said when the department gets calls for service, usually its for animals walking out onto the ice. If an ice rescue is necessary, firefighters will try to reach out to the person with objects to avoid putting anyone else in jeopardy. In last-resort situations, firefighters will go out onto the ice to perform a rescue.
“Although training on this particular day was extremely cold, these brave firefighters trained and worked hard to be better prepared to serve our community,” the SHFD wrote on Facebook. “It’s always a benefit and pleasure to work with surrounding fire departments.”
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