Ice rescue
missions may be at an all-time high this winter. It’s been so cold for so long
that the Great Lakes, which hold nearly one-fifth of the surface fresh water in
the world, are almost completely covered with ice for the first time in two
decades. In spite of the cold, these conditions bring out skaters, snowmobilers
and ice fishermen - who regularly fall through thin ice.
Time is of
the essence in ice rescues; shock and hypothermia can occur in minutes … and
traditional ice rescue techniques simply take too long. And much of the
traditional 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.
But
hovercraft, since they fly nine inches above the surface, keep first responders
above the danger. Hovercraft are the only vehicle that can speed easily over
thin or broken ice; other rescue vehicles can only be launched on solid ice at
least 5 inches thick. And the Neoteric HoverTrek, with its patented reverse
thrust that lets it brake and back up, is the most versatile hovercraft
available for ice rescue operations.
Neoteric
and Hovercraft Training Centers regularly train first responders throughout the
world to conduct safe and successful ice rescues. Here are a few photos of a
recent ice rescue practice on Lake Monroe, the largest lake in Indiana. With
below-freezing temperatures and a lake covered with snow and ice of inconsistent
thickness, these were perfect conditions for ice rescue training …
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Three Neoteric hovercraft, left to right: Hovercraft Training Centers’
hovercraft, the Hazleton Fire Department’s rescue hovercraft, and flight
instructor Steve Stafford’s personal hovercraft are ready to launch on Lake
Monroe.
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The lake ice varied
from solid to thin and broken – surface conditions that prohibit the use of any
other vehicle.
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During the day, the
three hovercraft cruised the entire length of the largest lake in Indiana,
regardless of ice conditions.
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Jeff Splittorf of the Hazleton Fire Department stands aboard the
department’s 6-passenger Neoteric rescue hovercraft.
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Steve
Stafford’s hovercraft with a cabin offered him some protection from the brutal
weather.
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The Hazleton
Fire Department’s Neoteric hovercraft flies easily across the snow and ice.
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Rachel Hyneman of the Hazleton Fire Department felt that braving the cold
weather was worth it, making the department even more prepared for successful
ice rescues with a professionally trained crew and the most maneuverable
hovercraft available.
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Would a hovercraft improve your department's rescue capabilities?
