Attention: First Responders attending #FDIC2022

Does your department still depend on ropes, boats, divers, etc. for water, ice and mud and snow rescues? If so, you’ll definitely want to come to FDIC Outdoor Demo Booth 19403 this Thursday through Saturday to experience a Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft in action and see first-hand how it will vastly improve the safety, ease, speed and success of your rescue operations.

Flat bottom Jon boats and other propeller-driven watercraft are of questionable use in shallow water, swift water, flood, ice and mud rescues; they can pose a serious danger to you and to the lives you’re tasked to save. But a Neoteric hovercraft flies 9 inches above any surface, keeping you above the danger – not in it. It quickly takes you into areas where no other vehicle can go, and it’s the only hovercraft with the ability to brake, back up, and fly in reverse – critical capacities in rescue operations.

But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what just one of your fellow fire departments has to say about their Neoteric rescue hovercraft …

Neoteric is once again honored to be the only hovercraft exhibitor at the Fire Department Instructors Conference. That isn’t surprising, since Neoteric is the world’s original light hovercraft manufacturer, in business for more than 60 years, with customers in 50+ nations around the world.

Just as FDIC International is a one-of-a-kind experience, so will be your visit to Neoteric Hovercraft Outdoor Demo Booth 19403 this Thursday through Saturday at the FDIC. Don’t miss this chance to learn what a Neoteric Hovercraft can do for you – and to meet Neoteric Hovercraft Founder/President Chris Fitzgerald in person. You’ll never meet anyone who knows more about rescue hovercraft, and he’s eager to answer all your questions!

Learn more about Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft ...

First responders: Save lives safely in ice rescue operations

In ice and water rescues, there is a universally accepted sequence: “reach, throw, row and go.” A “go” rescue is the point at which first responders physically go out on the ice to retrieve the victim – risking their own lives in the process. Statistics show that the most frequent victims in ice rescue operations are animals, children, ice fishermen, skaters, snowmobilers … and first responders.

Fortunately, first responders across the globe have discovered a way to eliminate the risks of “go” ice rescues, along with the “reach, throw and row” risks, as well – the Neoteric rescue hovercraft.

As one example, the Swedish Sea Rescue Society (Svenska Sjöräddnings Sällskapet), founded in 1907, is responsible for 70% of all ice and water rescues in Sweden and they rely on their five Neoteric HoverTrek™ rescue hovercraft to get them to where no other vehicle can go. Watch how their craft fly safely and easily over thin and broken ice:

Drag and hover to see the entire scene ...

Time is critical in ice rescues; shock and hypothermia can occur in minutes, and traditional ice rescue techniques simply take too long. Ordinary ice rescue equipment, such as inflatable walkways, sleds and ropes, can place first responders in as much danger as the people they’re trying to rescue.

Both these problems are solved with a Neoteric rescue hovercraft. It’s easily launched in minutes onto many challenging ice conditions, including thin or broken ice, while other rescue vehicles can operate only on solid ice at least 5 inches thick. And the hovercraft flies 9 inches above the surface. Not only does this improve response time, it keeps rescuers safely above the danger and allows access to areas that can’t be reached by boat, snowmobile, or even helicopter.

When CNN reported on a Neoteric hovercraft's rescue of three deer from a frozen lake, the news anchors summed it up quite accurately: "Hovercraft are kind of a genius idea here ... if you go out there with a snowmobile, you're in trouble - it doesn't hover; it's just a craft ... Boats and jet skis are pretty useless on ice and snowmobiles fall through ice if it won't hold their weight. Hovercraft can fly over any surface, so they save many lives. If you fall through the ice, or get sucked into mud or quicksand, better hope someone locally has a hovercraft handy!"

See more videos of Neoteric hovercraft in action on ice ...

Fire department's Neoteric hovercraft has saved more than 255 people ...

Hovercraft: The essential vehicle for ice rescue operations ...

Video: Neoteric hovercraft practice ice rescue operations ...

A Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft saves another life

Yesterday in Iowa the Council Bluffs Fire Department rescued a fisherman who had fallen through the ice on Lake Manawa and was submerged in icy water while clinging to the ice shelf.

Captain Jim Maaske reported that their Neoteric hovercraft allowed the firefighters to quickly find the man and hover directly to him without putting themselves at risk. Thanks to his rapid rescue, the fisherman was checked by EMS personnel and released.

Council Bluffs Firefighters discuss the situation after their successful ice rescue.

The Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft is the only vehicle able to operate on thin and broken ice.
It prevents first responders from having to enter the freezing water, risking their own lives.

Council Bluffs has owned their Neoteric Hovercraft since 2015, and this is far from the first life it has saved. Less than a month after its purchase, the hovercraft enabled the rescue of a young man submerged in a flooded, muddy river. Fire Chief Justin James said there was more than 60 feet of deep mud on the shores of the West Nodaway River and 20 feet of shallow water to cross before reaching the victim. Chief James reported, "The amount of time it took us to get out there would have been drastically longer if we didn't have the hovercraft."

Along with speeding up rescue operations, the hovercraft also keeps first responders safe. As Chief James says, "The hovercraft is a very stable platform, and we're not getting in the water. It's not going to sink. It won't capsize like a canoe or other boat. Our hovercraft can handle some of the most dangerous rescues that would otherwise be out of reach. It's the only vehicle able to operate on any surface; you can get it anywhere that basically nothing else can get to. With it, we're not sending first responders into bad water or ice. We can go over it all with the hovercraft, grab the victim and bring them back."

First Responders:

See firsthand what a rescue hovercraft can do ...

Visit Neoteric Hovercraft at the 2017 FDIC in BOOTH 2704

... and register to win one of three FREE Hovercraft Pilot Training Courses!

(Valued at $1,575 each)

First Responders: Don’t miss Neoteric Hovercraft at FDIC 2017 - Booth #2704

The FDIC (Fire Department Instructor Conference) is the world’s largest firefighter conference and expo, attended by more than 35,000 firefighters, chiefs and instructors from more than 53 nations.

Neoteric and HovercraftTraining Centers are honored to be the only rescue hovercraft and flight training exhibitor featured at the FDIC this year. The event takes place April 24-29 at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

If your department still relies on ropes, boats and other apparatus for water, ice and mud rescues, you’ll definitely want to visit us at Booth #2704 to watch videos of hovercraft rescue operations, see a remote-controlled hovercraft in action, let us answer all your questions – and register to win one of three free Hovercraft Pilot Training Courses, valued at $1,575 each!    

The Neoteric Hovercraft booth at last year's FDIC.

Flat bottom Jon boats and other propeller-driven watercraft are of questionable use in shallow water, swiftwater, flood, ice and mud rescues, and can pose a serious danger to you and to the lives you’re tasked to save. Come see how a Neoteric rescue hovercraft can greatly improve the safety, ease, speed and success of your rescue operations … while keeping you above the danger – not in it. It quickly flies you into areas where no other vehicle can go, and it’s the only hovercraft with the ability to brake and back up.

But don’t just take our word for it. See what first responders around the world say about their Neoteric Hovercraft in comparison to other rescue vehicles …

Council Bluffs Fire Department, Iowa:

Mansfield Fire Department, Texas:

"The benefit of having the hovercraft is we do not have to send our personnel into the water to retrieve victims. It can also hover over logs, car tires and any other debris, unlike boats, that could be a hazard in the water. A hovercraft is the answer to a faster rescue - a safer rescue."

Davis County Sheriff's Office, Utah:

"Our hovercraft, without question, has saved lives. Much of our county is covered by the Great Salt Lake, and when the water is low it leaves miles of mudflats boats can't reach. We can't get airboats out there. When it's extremely windy it's hard to get an aircraft or helicopter out there, and even walking out is impossible. We were putting rescuers in harm's way, but the hovercraft allows us to hover over mud, ice or water and get right to the patient - to literally reach out our hand and pull them out."

Central Fraser Valley Search & Rescue Society, Canada:

"The hovercraft gets us into areas that, before, we weren't able to reach, areas that our jet boat can't get into because we ingest debris into the impeller. And the hovercraft saves us a lot of time."

North Muskegon Fire Department, Michigan:

"Our hovercraft have saved more lives that all our fire engines combined. Since 1985, more than 255 people have been rescued from Muskegon area lakes using the hovercraft. More than half of them would have drowned not having the hovercraft as a safe rescue tool."

Learn much more - and see how you can save lives more safely than ever before - 

at Neoteric's Booth 2704 at this year’s FDIC.

Neoteric is the original and most experienced light hovercraft manufacturer, relied on by

first responders in 50+ countries for more than four decades. Read more …

Hovercraft Training Center is the world’s premier hovercraft flight training academy. 

Read more …

Save lives safely with a Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft – NOW ON SALE!

Maritime Reporter and Marine News magazines recently published articles emphasizing the need for hovercraft to be increasingly used as a primary rescue vehicle - especially in water, mud, flood and ice rescue operations. Here’s an excerpt …

"Hovercraft have a growing role to play in search & rescue, commercial and military operations around the world. Hovercraft are a practical proposition for operations in areas inaccessible to other vehicles, including frozen water, mud flats, intertidal areas, shallow rivers and flooded inland areas. Perceived to be environmentally sound, as they don’t exhaust into the water, create no wash and do not disturb the sea bed, they are also economical."

Statistics show that the most frequent victims in water and ice rescue operations are animals, children, fishermen, skaters, snowmobilers … and first responders. Because it hovers 9 inches above the terrain, a hovercraft keeps your rescue team above the danger – not in it.

But the Neoteric Rescue HoverTrek™ is not just another rescue hovercraft. Its patented reverse thrust makes it the only rescue hovercraft with the ability to brake, back up and hover in place. Its unique capabilities have made it the global industry standard, relied upon by rescue agencies throughout the world.

And, first responders, here’s a chance to increase your team’s safety and your success rate. You can own this top-of-the-line Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft at a discounted price …

Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft for Sale

This Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft is a demo with only 4 hours of use. Featuring a 100 HP Hirth engine, reverse thrust and inline seating for six, this deluxe rescue hovercraft is also equipped with a saltwater marinization package, a front cabin, a stretcher mount, a PA system, a siren and a reinforced heavy duty body. We’re offering this rescue hovercraft for a discounted price of $58,000, and that includes a trailer. And flight training and maintenance instruction are free with purchase.

This is a rare opportunity for your rescue agency to join the ranks of first responders across the world who rely on Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft to help them save lives safely. And this is the perfect time of year to better prepare yourselves for ice rescues … so contact us now for more information before this hovercraft is sold.

Here’s what just one of those first responders has to say about his department’s Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft ... “Both the North Muskegon and Muskegon Fire Departments use hovercraft for their ice rescue operations. The hovercraft have saved more lives than our engines have. Since 1985, 255 people have been rescued or removed from Muskegon area lakes using the hovercraft. 50% would have drowned, not having the hovercraft as a safe rescue tool.”

~ Fire Chief Steve Lague

 North Muskegon Fire Department

Michigan, USA

Read comments from other first responders …

And watch this video of Neoteric rescue hovercraft in action …

First Responders: Save flood victims safely – with a hovercraft

Question:  Of all natural disasters, which is the fastest growing and most costly?

Answer:  Devastating floods – like those now plaguing Louisiana – are rapidly increasing in the U.S. and across the world. From 1980 to 2009, floods caused 500,000+ deaths worldwide and affected more than 2.8 billion people.

To date, the Louisiana flood is responsible for 13 deaths and damage to more than 40,000 homes. Last weekend alone, first responders rescued more than 20,000 people and 1,000 pets. 10,000+ people are living in emergency shelters and 70,000 have registered for individual assistance. The government has declared south Louisiana a flood disaster zone.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards calls the floods “unprecedented” and “historic”. But, extensive research reveals that deadly flooding is becoming more ordinary than extraordinary. According to FEMA, the area of the U.S. at risk of floods, including inland river areas and coastal regions, will grow 45% by 2100. It’s estimated that by 2050, flooding will cost about $1,000,000,000,000 a year, and cause major damage to the 136 largest coastal cities in the world.

Current statistics support these predictions: 1) 2015 was the second wettest year on record in the U.S., and 2) In just the past year, catastrophic floods occurred in Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, South Carolina, Missouri and Illinois, to name just a few.

As flood disasters increase, it’s crucial that preparedness efforts must also increase. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that every year more deaths occur in floods than in any other weather hazard. And the death toll includes first responders, as well as victims lost to failed rescue attempts.

So, another question:  In the face of increasing flood risks, how can first responders increase their ability to perform faster, safer rescues, protecting their victims as well as themselves?

Here’s the answer ...

This video of Wylie Fire-Rescue’s Neoteric Hovercraft saving lives last year in Texas’ widespread flooding shows how easily it operates in shallow, debris-filled water and has the unique maneuverability for up-close access to victims without forcing first responders to enter the water.

But the proof of the Neoteric Hovercraft’s ability to outperform other water rescue vehicles consists of far more than a single video. First responders across the world rely on the Neoteric Rescue HoverTrek™; here’s what just a few of them say about the superiority of hovercraft over boats and other water rescue vehicles …

North Muskegon Fire Department, Michigan USA

"Our hovercraft have saved more lives than all our fire engines combined. Since 1985, more than 255 people have been rescued from Muskegon area lakes using the hovercraft. More than half of them would have drowned not having the hovercraft as a safe rescue tool."

WOPR, a national water rescue organization in Poland

“Regardless of the weather, our hovercraft can fly over water, ice, mud, sand, grass or wetlands – allowing us to get to those places you can’t reach either by boat or by foot. This machine can save people under the most difficult conditions that prevent the use of a helicopter.”

Mansfield Fire Department, Texas USA:

“The benefit of having the hovercraft is we do not have to send our personnel into the water to retrieve victims. It can also hover over logs, car tires and any other debris, unlike boats that could be a hazard in flood water. A hovercraft is the answer to a faster rescue – a safer rescue.”

Central Fraser Valley Search & Rescue Society, Canada:

"The hovercraft gets us into areas that, before, we weren't able to reach, areas that our jet boat can't get into because we ingest debris into the impeller. And the hovercraft saves us a lot of time."

Council Bluffs Fire Department, Iowa USA:

"Our hovercraft can handle some of the most dangerous rescues that would otherwise be out of reach. It's the only vehicle able to operate on any surface; you can get it anywhere that basically nothing else can get to. With it, we're not sending first responders out into bad water or ice. We can go over it all with the hovercraft, grab the victim and bring them back."

As you can see, hovercraft are a critical rescue apparatus for flood rescue operations. They’re able to access areas that boats, airboats and even helicopters can’t reach. Flat bottom Jon Boats and other propeller-driven watercraft are of little use in flood water or shallow water. Debris and obstructions can not only damage rescue boats, but can pose a lethal danger to first responders and to flood victims whose lives they are tasked to save.

And the Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft, with its exclusive reverse thrust, greatly tops the maneuverability of other models, allowing you to back up, spin and hover in place. Flying 9 inches above the surface, the HoverTrek™ performs in debris-filled, shallow and fast-flowing flood water and allows rapid up-close access to victims, keeping first responders above the danger - not in it.

In dangerous flood waters, there’s no better way to save lives safely – or to keep rescuers from becoming the rescued.

Experience for yourself how a hovercraft saves lives safely …

Schedule aTest Flight today …

and

Learn more about Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft …

Why should you visit Booth 2540 at the FDIC this week?

First responders, does your department still rely on ropes, boats and other apparatus for water, ice and mud rescues? Come to Booth 2540 this Thursday through Saturday at the FDIC in Indianapolis and see first-hand how a Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft can significantly improve the safety, ease, speed and success of your rescue operations ...

Watch just one example of why first responders prefer hovercraft to other rescue vehicles …

Flat bottom Jon Boats and other propeller-driven watercraft are of little use for shallow water, swiftwater, flood, ice and mud rescues. They can pose a serious danger to first responders and to those whose lives they are tasked to save.

But don’t just take our word for it. Below are examples of how first responders around the world compare their Neoteric Hovercraft to other rescue vehicles …

Roswell Fire Department, Georgia:

"On low water, our aluminum boat can only go so far. With the hovercraft, we can travel over rocks, shallow water, sandbars."

Central Fraser Valley Search & Rescue Society, Canada:

"The hovercraft gets us into areas that, before, we weren't able to reach, areas that our jet boat can't get into because we ingest debris into the impeller. And the hovercraft saves us a lot of time."

Council Bluffs Fire Department, Iowa:

"Our hovercraft can handle some of the most dangerous rescues that would otherwise be out of reach. It's the only vehicle able to operate on any surface; you can get it anywhere that basically nothing else can get to. With it, we're not sending first responders out into bad water or ice. We can go over it all with the hovercraft, grab the victim and bring them back."

North Muskegon Fire Department, Michigan:

"Our hovercraft have saved more lives that all our fire engines combined. Since 1985, more than 255 people have been rescued from Muskegon area lakes using the hovercraft. More than half of them would have drowned not having the hovercraft as a safe rescue tool."

Mansfield Fire Department, Texas:

"The benefit of having the hovercraft is we do not have to send our personnel into the water to retrieve victims. It can also hover over logs, car tires and any other debris, unlike boats, that could be a hazard in the water. A hovercraft is the answer to a faster rescue - a safer rescue."

Snohomish County Fire District 19, Washington:

"Our hovercraft is able to quickly and safely access almost any environment. They have become a critical tool in our rescue team's operations."

Davis County Sheriff's Office, Utah:

"Our hovercraft, without question, has saved lives. Much of our county is covered by the Great Salt Lake, and when the water is low it leaves miles of mudflats boats can't reach. We can't get airboats out there. When it's extremely windy it's hard to get an aircraft or helicopter out there, and even walking out is impossible. We were putting rescuers in harm's way, but the hovercraft allows us to hover over mud, ice or water and get right to the patient - to literally reach out our hand and pull them out."

Learn much more - and see how you can save lives more safely than ever before - 

at Neoteric's Booth 2540 at this year's FDIC in Indianapolis, IN.

Neoteric Hovercraft makes ice rescues safer

The following article about the Branch County Sheriff's Department's Neoteric rescue hovercraft was published in Michigan's Shoreline Magazine ...

Branch County hovercraft can help

make ice rescues safer

by Christy Hart-Harris

Sgt. Rick Holtgrave pilots the Department's Neoteric hovercraft. He and Branch County Sheriff John Pollack agree that the hovercraft is an invaluable tool for ice rescues.

Winter is fast approaching and with the cold temperatures come ice and winter sports. Among the more popular winter sports are ice fishing, ice skating and sledding. Those who have grown up on one of the many lakes in Michiana know how much fun all these winter activities can be.

With vast hills along the lake shores, many kids enjoy sledding down them to the iced-over lake below whiles others prefer to show off their skills with a figure 8 or race their friends on ice skates.

Then there is the most popular winter activity among Michiganders – ice fishing. It is considered by many to be a very relaxing way to spend the day.

Simply walking on the ice can be a unique experience, especially when the snow obscures the view of what lies beneath. Like any activities, safety should be the top priority when on the ice.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources advises those who venture out on the ice this winter to “steer clear of dark spots or places where the snow looks discolored.”

Important rules to follow when on the ice include:

·         Never go alone.

·         Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

·         Always test the ice with a spud.

·         Take the appropriate emergency items, such as a lifejacket and ice picks.

·         Take a cell phone in case you need to call for help.

·         Dress in your warmest winter clothes.

·         Fill a Thermos with hot coffee, chocolate or tea.

Although lake goers may think the danger of drowning is more prevalent during the summer months, drowning is the seventh leading cause of accidental death in the United States, even in the winter.

For this reason, Sgt. Rick Holtgrave of the Branch County Marine Control purchased a hovercraft to assist the Branch County Sheriff’s Department eight-member dive team in rescue missions.

“I purchased this thinking, ‘Okay, we have a tool in the tool box,’” Holtgrave said. “It’s not the only tool, but it is a tool for all of us to utilize in a rescue mission. It’s there if we need it.”

Holtgrave and Branch County Sheriff John Pollack agree that the hovercraft is a vital tool when dealing with iced-over lakes and ice activities in the winter.

The hovercraft has the capability of skimming over thin ice, water, mud and grass. By using this tool, rescuers will be able to save the lives of those who may fall through the ice while preserving the safety of the rescue teams.

With the ability to hold at least 900 pounds, the hovercraft works by pushing air from the engine out of the back of the craft. In return, that air fills each one of the skirts along the base. Maintaining the RPMs and utilizing the reverse thrust keeps the craft operating properly.

“We’re in the process of training,” Pollack said. “We need to train a second operator in case Rick is not available. We need to train officers so they know what to expect from the craft so they know its limitations and what it can do. The fire department is on board with training. They won’t operate it; they just need to know when to call it out and when not to, what it is capable of doing. Rick is the only one currently trained on it.”

The hovercraft is capable of going 60 mph forward and 26 mph backward. Its capability is also critical in residential areas that may become flooded because underwater obstacles such as fences, fallen trees, submerged walls and vehicles cannot affect the craft.

“The biggest thing for us is the ice, particularly thin ice,” Pollack said. “Two problems that we have are human and animal. Whenever we have a rescue on thin ice, our option is to utilize the fire department. They are tethered on a 20-foot rope. Beyond that it’s too far for them to go. It becomes too difficult to rescue the rescuers.”

“All those dangers are what we used to have to face, but now with this hovercraft we can get out there, make the rescue and get right back. It gives the rescuer a secure platform to get the rescue done,” Pollack said. “It will save us on personnel. The fire department will send two or three trucks and it may be a dog that needs to be rescued. Most people are like, oh it’s a dog, no big deal but, if you can imagine if it were your dog, you would want to save it. If we didn’t, when we leave, what are they going to do? They are going to go out on that ice and save it, so it’s best for us to go out and save it so the owner doesn’t.”

Pollack said in the near future they hope to be able to share the hovercraft with surrounding counties.

Learn more about Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft ...