Local emergency responders train for swift water rescues
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FLAMING GEYSER STATE PARK, Wash. - As the spring and summer months approach, swift water rescue teams are preparing for boaters to return to Washington state's scenic rivers.
And on Saturday, crews spent the day in the rushing waters of Green River learning how to handle real-life scenarios when there's an emergency.
The Green River, a popular recreational destination, has one of the highest rates across the state for river rescues and fatalities. So the on-scene training is crucial for the team and anyone who gets in this water.
About 20 emergency responders trained Saturday for swift water rescues - it helps them prepare for real-life scenarios.
"This isn't a safe environment - just to get out there and try to rescue someone without the proper training," says Tim Perciful of Mountain View Fire and Rescue.
The team trains for rescues and body recovery. Last year they rescued nine people on Green River, and three others died.
"Water is dangerous - we talk about it every year," says Perciful. "Rivers move fast - so it's unpredictable for people."
Amie McDermott is new to the rescue team. Saturday was her first day in the water.
"If I didn't have a life jacket on I would be in a lot of trouble," she says. "I was a lifeguard during high school, so I've always enjoyed the rescue-type scenarios. ... I like thinking on my feet and having every situation be different."
One of the scenarios on Saturday was learning how to recover someone with a head, neck or back injury.
"They're putting a board underneath them so we can float them to the surface and take out in ambulance or medic unit," says Perciful.
They also practiced using floatable ropes to save a victim or rescuer as well as shallow water crossing.
"It's not just me that my skills that have to be perfect. It's everyone else and it's nice being able to work with everyone else to reach a common goal," says McDermott.
That common goal is saving people - even if it means risking their own lives.
"Being part of this team is rewarding, but it's dangerous. You're always thinking about what you need to do to try to stay safe," says Perciful.
And when you're in the water, firefughters say you should always wear a lifejacket and listen to the warnings.
And on Saturday, crews spent the day in the rushing waters of Green River learning how to handle real-life scenarios when there's an emergency.
The Green River, a popular recreational destination, has one of the highest rates across the state for river rescues and fatalities. So the on-scene training is crucial for the team and anyone who gets in this water.
About 20 emergency responders trained Saturday for swift water rescues - it helps them prepare for real-life scenarios.
"This isn't a safe environment - just to get out there and try to rescue someone without the proper training," says Tim Perciful of Mountain View Fire and Rescue.
The team trains for rescues and body recovery. Last year they rescued nine people on Green River, and three others died.
"Water is dangerous - we talk about it every year," says Perciful. "Rivers move fast - so it's unpredictable for people."
Amie McDermott is new to the rescue team. Saturday was her first day in the water.
"If I didn't have a life jacket on I would be in a lot of trouble," she says. "I was a lifeguard during high school, so I've always enjoyed the rescue-type scenarios. ... I like thinking on my feet and having every situation be different."
One of the scenarios on Saturday was learning how to recover someone with a head, neck or back injury.
"They're putting a board underneath them so we can float them to the surface and take out in ambulance or medic unit," says Perciful.
They also practiced using floatable ropes to save a victim or rescuer as well as shallow water crossing.
"It's not just me that my skills that have to be perfect. It's everyone else and it's nice being able to work with everyone else to reach a common goal," says McDermott.
That common goal is saving people - even if it means risking their own lives.
"Being part of this team is rewarding, but it's dangerous. You're always thinking about what you need to do to try to stay safe," says Perciful.
And when you're in the water, firefughters say you should always wear a lifejacket and listen to the warnings.
Why waste the time? If you're too stupid to put a life jacket, then you deserve what you get.
 Sure there is! There are pools in every town these days. I counted 6 life guards at our local pool here in my town. These are all young energetic kids with all kinds of life saving skills and are all excellent swimmers too! Seems logical to me! They could be deputized or whatever and given a CB radio to talk with the dispatchers. I bet these kids would jump at the chance to help their community.Â
@JDÂ oh boy swift water is not a swimming pool
 @JD JD... um... ok
Looks like mighty cold practice, even with the suit! Hope they don't need to use these skills very often this summer.
Fire fighters should stick to what they know. FIRES! Hurrah to them for the efforts but wouldn't it make more sense to train maybe lifeguards for these situtations. It could also keep them employed more on the off season and give them more skills to help with their lifeguard dutys too!
@JD
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I agree, specialization is the ticket. Along those lines, JD, Iâve noticed that you seem to be particularly adept at vowel usage in your posts. In fact, I think you use vowels better than anyone else who posts here. So, from now on, you are going to be limited to JUST using vowels in your posts â no consonants. Weâll have somebody else post the consonants for you. OK? </sarc>
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(Sorry, man. I'm just feeling particularly snarky today.)  ;-)
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(I have a feeling that JD is going to respond with something like â*u** *ouâ.)
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I might not have the education you have butÂ
I know when I'm being bullied and laughed at.
@JD Sorry. I was an ass.
 @JD JD, firefighters are all-risk responders... not just fires... including medical emergencies... in fact here in Seattle and King County they have the highest cardiac arrest save rates in the nation... higher than any other system anywhere. Stop into your local fire station and learn about all they actually do.Â
 @TruthinAdverts Lifeguards are risk responders as well! I'm just saying they are better prepared to handle saving one from the water and given the right tools ( cb radio) they are more suited to handle a water emergency. We have to stop relieing on the police to take care of everything. I bet half the firefighters in the picture above can't even do a simple lap in the pool. They are more at home at the pool table down at the fire hall!
 @TruthinAdverts  @JD JD, it's painfully clear you don't even understand what "all-risk" means. It means firefighters are trained to respond to a wide range of emergencies including fires, hazardous materials spills, traffic accidents, medical emergencies, disasters (such as earthquakes, building collapse and the like), technical rescue scenarios including both terrain and water related emergencies as well as confined space, trench, and rope rescues. They are also trained to respond to medical emergencies (not merely CPR training like lifeguards have, but including all the way up to advanced life support. This is what is meant by "all-risk". JD... by your plan we would need to hire a life guard for every fire station located near a river, provide them with a vehicle and have them on shift to respond. Why would the public desire that increased cost when firefighters are already doing this? While you sit on the internet and brainstorm, firefighters have already saved scores of victims in these settings. There's a lot of things to fix in this nation. Perhaps you should focus on the ones that actually NEED fixing.Â
@JD so when someone calls 911 for help dispatch the lifeguards? There is not enough money or lifeguards to protect all of the rivers. So why not train who will be there when needed 24/7.