Hamlin, NY — February 21st — Alongside teams from the Spencerport Fire District, firefighters from the Hamlin Morton Walker Fire District conducted practical ice and water rescue training. In order to prepare responders for crises on frozen rivers, crews practiced many rescue evolutions. Scene size-up, hazard assessment, usage of cold-water protection gear, reach and toss rescue methods, ladder rescues over fragile ice, and tethered rescuer operations were all covered in the training. Additionally, firefighters rehearsed removing victims from the water and packing them.

Throughout the training, the district's EMS Division stayed on the scene to provide members working in chilly circumstances with safety supervision, medical monitoring, and rehabilitation. For safe and successful ice rescue operations, the National Fire Protection Association states that frequent training and familiarization with rescue equipment are crucial.