At eight o’clock in the morning on Feb. 20, about 15 firefighters gather at Fire Station 2 in Atherley. Many of them have been awake since they responded to a fire call at 3 a.m.
On average, the Ramara fire department hosts three ice water rescue training sessions a year.
“This season has been challenging because it’s been so cold,” says Bethany Readman, training officer.
She mentions the days where -20 C was factored into the training, which can last hours in the frigid temperatures.
Since 2003, all of Ramara’s volunteer firefighters have received National Fire Protection Association certifications. It’s something not easily accomplished by smaller townships like Ramara, says Fire Chief Tony Stong, though legislation now requires it.
Ice water rescue is niche and not everyone is interested in marine operations, he notes.
Luckily, Ramara has 21 new recruits this month and a robust team of well-trained and dedicated firefighters along with them.
“A good chunk of them do ice water training,” says Stong, “it’s all about safety and span of control.”Before embarking on the training mission, Deputy Fire Chief Rob McCarthy briefs everyone inside the fire hall.
What to expect on the icy waters of Lake Simcoe can sometimes mean a real emergency. The team is directed to look out for each other as trips, falls, and hypothermia pose a threat to the rescuers as much as those they are rescuing.
Personal protective equipment consists of a helmet and an ice commander suit to keep warm and dry. It also has a flotation element and pockets for supplies like ice picks. Readman also wore the ice cleats for better stability and carried a rope throw bag.
Once on the frozen lake, four scenarios are staged.
Each person performs a self rescue to get themselves out of the water. Each person performs a sling rescue where a patient is on the ledge of the ice. This sling method is enacted again where the rescuer also needs to enter the water. Lastly, each firefighter performs a rescue using a stokes basket where the victim is floating in open water.
A rapid deployment craft (RDC) is a crucial piece of equipment in demanding situations. It simplifies the process of rescuing an individual from perilous waters.
With open floors on either end, the emergency personnel remain centred and safe while manoeuvering the craft to someone stranded in the water. The ends are upturned so it can navigate over an individual whose head remains above the surface.
“The RDCs are an excellent piece of equipment for added safety for both our firefighters and then also the patients that we’re supporting or rescuing in the water. So it gives us a platform to work off of in the water and allows us to be tethered to shore but also allows us to release that tether,” says Readman.
The RDC is easily stored and carried in a two-foot cube and deploys effortlessly. Stong estimates that it can be deployed and support two rescuers within 30 seconds.
Even with its optimal design, it takes physical and mental proficiency to navigate and perform a water rescue in the RDC.
“It requires a lot of teamwork and communication between the two rescuers to make sure that they are approaching the patient in the most appropriate manner to be able to get that patient up onto it,” explains Readman.
Deciding how to approach each situation is a key part of communicating.
Readman outlines the options. A patient can be hoisted onto the craft through one of the openings or up and over the side. Alternatively, a rescuer can swim to the patient while tethered to the craft to bring them on board.
The airboat and the Matrice 350 RTK Aircraft drone are two more pieces of specialized equipment Ramara firefighters operate.
With 30 years of experience and just as long piloting the airboat, Captain Ted Kennedy knows a few things about winter rescues.
The airboat makes travel easier for first responders. It eliminates the exhausting work of trudging through deep snow, slush, or over ice for unknown distances.
“Anything is faster than walking,” he says.
Unknown factors also make it a dangerous piece of equipment.
“We’re going out into unknown conditions to do an unknown task, and often it’s at night,” says Kennedy.
Inside the cabin of the airboat is a heated space for six people, or up to 1,000 pounds. It is equipped with a global positioning system (GPS) and a thermal imaging camera.
Before taking off the airboat needs about five minutes to warm up. Even before a rescue mission it’s paramount to wait this time to prevent equipment failure.
The difference in temperature between the surface of the ice and the bottom of the boat can cause it to get stuck. Transitioning between open water to an ice ledge, slush or snow is also a technical move and the driver needs to understand the mechanics of the boat.
Ramara has six rescue members who are trained in operating the airboat.
The ride is noisy and bumpy.
Staff wear ear protection and communicate through radios. Although it can pick up any speed necessary, Kennedy explains how important it is to understand the physics of operating the craft and applying the right speed to the right situations.
“It doesn’t turn. It kind of drifts,” he says, explaining that especially at high speeds even small bumps can cause the boat to flip.
A situation like navigating ice huts at night, sometimes in dangerous weather conditions, to rescue someone requires attention to details like speed, distance, and response time.
“Everytime it goes out it’s different,” says Kennedy.
The drone adds a layer of efficiency to rescue operations and can help accurately locate where the airboat needs to be.
The Ramara fire department acquired its drone through a Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation donation in December. Firefighter Jeff Lawrence is already adept at operating it.
Similar to aircraft pilots, drone operators take ground school prior to completing basic or advanced level exams. Material is divided based on intended use. Individuals are licensed through Transport Canada.
Lawrence shows how effective the drone is in a rescue situation. He hovers it almost 200 feet in the air and sets it to thermal imaging. With a range of 30 to 90 degrees fahrenheit the screen shows the team of trainees in pinks and reds. Three of them are in the water, enacting a rescue scenario.
The drone also tracks the airboat as it cruises around the lake. It shows a clear picture almost as though the drone is right next to it. Another setting shows how the trail behind the airboat is warmer than the surrounding surface as it leaves slush in its wake.
As the team wraps up around 11 AM, everyone is showing signs of resilience and dedication. Only one person returned early with a leaking ice commander suit. He joked and laughed it off as he made his way to the fire truck.
In the airboat, Josh Blanchard and Jason Connell were prepared for anything as they had to get out to help remove it from a rut in the snow.
In order to prevent getting stuck, Kennedy says the operator should circle the area to pack the snow down.
“Even when we’re sleeping we’re always ready,” laughs Blanchard.
For more information about Ramara’s fire and rescue services click here.