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 ...

Hovercraft: The Safest Flood Rescue Vehicle

Flooding has been a serious problem in the United States this year. The current threat is focused on the central states; hopefully it won’t reach the catastrophic proportions suffered by Texas and Oklahoma a few weeks ago. In May, Texas was deluged with 35 trillion gallons of rain, creating the deadliest national disaster in the U.S. this year.

This newscast describes the disaster and the role of Neoteric hovercraft in the massive rescue efforts …

As the Dallas police officer discovered when his patrol car was trapped by flood waters, vehicle drivers are the most common victims in flood emergencies. During the Texas floods, more than 500 water rescues were performed, and the majority of them were stranded motorists. At least 2,500 vehicles were abandoned when drivers had to seek higher ground.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that each year more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm-related hazard, and that more than half of all flood-related drownings happen when a vehicle is driven into hazardous water. It warns, “People underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in automobiles as they are swept downstream … A mere 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car, while 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters.”

That’s why hovercraft are a critical rescue vehicle in flood and swiftwater rescue operations. And the Neoteric Rescue Hovertrek with its exclusive reverse thrust tops the maneuverability of other models. Flying 9 inches above the surface, the HoverTrek performs in shallow, debris-filled, fast-flowing water and allows rapid, up-close access to victims without forcing first responders to enter the water. In dangerous flood waters, there’s no better way to save lives – or to keep rescuers from becoming the rescued.

First responders: Now is the time for a demo. 

See what the HoverTrek can do for you, with a Text Flight or Training Course.