ICE RESCUE TRAINING — MINUTES MATTER

By VIVIAN LaMOORE, STAFF WRITER

At the time of this printing, there is still ice on most area lakes. But late ice and early ice are prime times for accidents to happen as people tend to think the ice is safe. Ice is never 100 percent safe as there is always a risk when venturing out onto the ice. But Mille Lacs Band Emergency Management, Tribal Conservation Officers, Garrison Fire and Rescue, and Mille Lacs County Sheriff's Office Rescue, teamed up with the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Commission to train in the techniques of ice rescue.

Wearing ice rescue suits for floatation and warmth, participants practiced various rescue skills taught by the GLIFWC conservation officers lead by Warden Gale Smith.

Minutes matter when rescuing a victim who has fallen into icy waters. Planning a rescue operation must be done immediately and a scene evaluation must be done. Knowing the proper equipment to select for the various ice conditions and knowing rigging techniques can save lives. Rescuers also learned how to not become a victim themselves.

The Mille Lacs Band is committed to ensure all emergency responders have access to quality training.