The Coast Guard demonstrates how to conduct an ice rescue to the Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Department, Keweenaw County Search and Rescue and the Eagle Harbor Fire Department. The Sheriff’s Department requested the Coast Guard training so first responders are knowledgeable in the immediate stages of an ice rescue. (Ben Garbacz/Daily Mining Gazette)

EAGLE HARBOR — A cross training session on the ice took place Sunday morning with the U.S. Coast Guard, Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Department, Eagle Harbor Fire Department and Keweenaw County Search & Rescue.

Keweenaw County Sheriff Curt Pennala’s office requested the Coast Guard for the session to train the area’s first responders on how to conduct the early stages of ice rescue.

“A lot of times the most crucial time is that first little bit of time to getting the rescuer out there, whether it be a search and rescue incident or a water type incident,” Pennala said.

This is the third year of rescue training for Keweenaw County first responders, but the first to take place in within the county. This year the training took place at the Eagle Harbor Marina. The past few years saw the training held at US Coast Guard Station Portage in Dollar Bay.

Pennala acknowledges the station is well equipped and allows more comfortable conditions, but, he wanted the training to resemble a more real-life local emergency. Coast Guard Petty Officer Third Class Seth Williamson agreed.

“It’s great to get out and do the training here, because you’re never going to have a case at our station,” Williamson said. “So it’s good to get a change of scenery and be able to adapt to the conditions.”

The conditions the training took place consisted of high winds which later gave way to moderate snowfall. A few jokes were made at the weather’s expense.

“If you like snow blowing in your eyes it’s great weather,” Pennala said.

The Coast Guard and first responders geared up in their wet and cold weather gear and conducted mock rescues in a large square hole cut out a few yards into the harbor.

Before the actual training, the Coast Guard introduced the equipment that would be used and instructed the first responders on how it is best utilized.

There were also questions regarding the Coast Guards standard for certain rescues and how hazards are assessed.

One of the things the Coast Guard taught the first responders was the time frame of when someone is in cold water after falling through the ice.

Williamson referred to the time frame as the one-ten-one rule, which signifies one minute to calm oneself and assess the situation after falling into water, then 10 minutes of meaningful movement to circulate blood throughout the body then followed by one hour of consciousness.

Another recommendation was to stand anywhere from six to eight feet apart if possible when walking across ice to lessen the chances of breaking the through the ice due to the combined weight of the individuals involved in the rescue.

Once the debriefing was completed, a Coast Guardsman lowered himself into the water to simulate someone who had fallen through ice.

First the Coast Guardsman demonstrated how to conduct a self rescue, which involved not only arms and hands to crawl forward, but also kicking one’s feet to create forward momentum and assist the individual in keeping afloat.

After the self rescue, the Coast Guard demonstrated rescue procedures involving equipment and how to approach and communicate with a victim.

The Coast Guardsman first announced that he or she would be rescuing the victim, then ask the amount of time the victim was in the water.

This is done to not only gain a better understanding of the situation, but also for the rescuer to determine the awareness and consciousness of the victim. The Coast Guardsmen demonstrated how to efficiently grab onto a victim and place a flotation device similar to a pool noodle over their arms in nearly one motion. Once the device was placed around the victim, the Coast Guardsman latched the device to a line held by another rescuer away from the hole.

After the victim was secured, the rescuer reached into the water and lifted the victim’s leg to prevent them from getting caught on the ice when they were pulled forward and out of the ice.

After the demonstration, the members of the Keweenaw County first responders conducted the same mock rescue. Once everyone had conducted a rescue, the Coast Guard then showed a variety of rescue equipment.

While the Coast Guards primary jurisdiction is the Great Lakes, they can assist in rescues if requested by local emergency services.

Therefore the Coast Guard determined it beneficial for the first responders to understand what equipment they can expect to use if the Coast Guard were to ever assist them in the future.

After the training, Williamson said he was impressed with the performance of the first responders.

“I think these are people that are really concerned with their community, and they’re doing their best to get out and do as best that they can,” he said. “As first responders they need to be able to help keep the community safe but then also educate themselves and be willing and open to learn how to better [their skills].”