SOUTHWICK–The men and women of the Southwick Fire Department were able to cool off during the heat wave while training in Lake Congamond yesterday.
Several members of the department showed up for the training on the water, which featured live rescue scenarios and boat training, as well as a rainbow that oversaw them during their time on the lake. Training was provided by Southwick firefighter Eric Brogan, who received Still Water Training from Massachusetts Fire Academy.
The group practiced for several different situations, including saving people who have gone overboard into the water, those who are in the water but are not injured, as well as those who have a cervical spine injury and need immobilization in the water on a backboard and with a collar. For some practices, fellow firefighters and EMTs portrayed victims.
Southwick has seen four drownings within the past five years, so although they are rare they do happen and first responders need to be prepared.
A Southwick firefighter pulls in the line with someone on the other end.
The fire department brought out the boat that they received from a state government surplus program through the National Guard in Boston. The boat is Southwick’s, but they cannot sell it, and if they are to return the boat they must undo any modifications done to the boat.
The firefighters and EMTs also used four new dry suits that they received last year. The suits cost $500 and keep providers dry while allowing them to have more mobility than other water suits.
