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GJ Firefighters Train for Ice Rescues

by KREX News Room
by Amanda Brandeis

Story Created: Jan 30, 2013 at 8:42 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jan 30, 2013 at 8:42 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. In an ice rescue, every minute is crucial. This week, Grand Junction firefighters are training to handle these missions.

They use frozen waters in the area to stage real-life drills. On Wednesday morning they staged the mock scenario at Canyon View Park.

Firefighters put on special suits, get in the freezing cold water and then call units to respond and rescue them.

The training happens every year in order for our first responders to stay proficient with the rescuing skills.

Captain Brian Cherveny, said, "Foremost thing is safety, safety for our rescuers, safety for patient and getting everybody in and out of the water as quickly as possible and be it very safe."

Derek Trombetta, a Grand Junction Firefighter, said, "What we do to really challenge ourselves is we try to make it as real as possible. Literally we create a situation where we have an officer on scene and he dispatches people out, just like dispatch was, so when they come up on scene, what they see is what they get."

Firefighters advise that people avoid the ice at all costs. They also say, if a pet or any animal is trapped do not try to rescue it yourself, call 911. Animals can last longer in the cold water, and officials say waiting for trained professionals is the safest thing to do.

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