Today, firefighters from the Big Tree Volunteer Fire Company contended with wind, sleet, and freezing rain to conduct invaluable ice rescue training. Members from the company's ice rescue team donned protective flotation suits and entered the icy waters of a nearby pond to practice the techniques they learned over the two-day course. With a number of large ponds in the Big Tree District, firefighters took the initiative to prepare for ice rescues hoping they will never have to put their training to the test.

During the intense two-day course, firefighters learned about ice formation and ice safety, how to treat hypothermic patients and cold water drowning victims, and a variety of techniques for rescuing victims from icy water. To culminate the training, rescuers took to the water to practice the techniques they learned in the classroom. A variety of rescue techniques were exercised and firefighters practiced numerous rescue scenarios. Hopefully, these lifesaving skills will never need to be put to the test.