Responders train for winter rescues

PRIEST RIVER — Responders from Bonner and Pend Oreille counties gathered in Priest River last weekend for a training event to prepare them to rescue a victim who has fallen into a frozen lake.

According to a Feb. 8 press release, West Pend Oreille Fire District sponsored the training, and was joined by Washington’s Pend Oreille Fire District 4 and Pend Oreille Fire District 2, along with Bonner County EMS. 

The exercise included a Friday session covering the elements of ice rescue, personnel and equipment, victim assessment and operational plans. On Saturday, participants donned drysuits and simulated ice emergencies on Crystal Lake near Priest River. 

Whenever venturing onto a frozen body of water, the U.S. Forest Service recommends carrying ice picks or a set of screwdrivers connected with a 2-foot cord to help extricate yourself if you fall through. 

If someone else falls through the ice, call 911 for help and extend a rope or pole to the victim from a safe distance to try to pull them out of the water.