Marine Unit Operations in the Winter

[efdny2003 16]

Not sure if this is the right forum for this topic, a question came to me reading the IA Post about the jumper off the TZB.

This is directed at departments fire or police that operate marine units year round;

• is there any sort of special protocol when it comes to operating during the winter season where ice may be an issue.
  
• is there specific gear worn when operating out on the water?
  
• what conditions prevent a boat from being launched?
  
• are operation times out on the water different in the winter where ice and cold may be a factor than during the summer where temperatures are warmer?
  
• Are there any rehab protocols set up for personnel who were operating out on the water in cold weather or ice conditions.
  

Thank you in advanced for any answers.

[SageVigiles 1,194]

Only 1 of our Marine Units can really be operated year round. Ball Pond in New Fairfield operates 2 boats under the "Marine 17" designator. One of these is a flat-bottom metal boat. We can remove the motor and simply use it as an oversized sled if necessary. This is obviously the only one useful for a real ice rescue situation. All members on the boat must wear the "Gumby" rescue suits. Since we don't have any moving water large enough to operate a boat on, the lakes pretty much allow us to use the Rescue Alive sled or just walking/swimming to the victim in a suit if we have a rescue situation. All of the other boats in town have V-bottoms which would tip over easily if resting on the ice. EMS always evaluates the rescuers after removal from the water inside the ambulance.

[helicopper 1,050]

Discussions on the topic of river responses in the winter:

http://www.emtbravo.net/index.php?showtopic=29759&view=&hl=Flight%201549&fromsearch=1

http://www.emtbravo.net/index.php?showtopic=29740&view=&hl=Flight%201549&fromsearch=1

[efdny2003 16]

Thank you for posting those two links Chris. Just curious what specific departments do at this time of the year.