Course Description
This course meets, and exceeds, the NFPA standards for Ice Rescue. Because WRI is based in the Inland Northwest, ice rescue is often dramatically different here than other places. Namely, we deal with moving water and ice. We focus on rescuer safety and tactics in dealing with this extremely complex and dangerous environment. We examine video footage of past rescues to give students an opportunity to learn from real life scenarios. The majority of the class is spent on the ice and focuses on giving students a chance to actively participate in real time rescue scenarios. The students will become familiar with the appropriate personal gear, as well as the technical rescue equipment and ropes systems used in ice rescue situations.
Topics Covered:
- Rivers and Ice
- Recognition and implication of ice characteristics
- Establishing a safe approach plan
- Choosing the correct personal equipment
- Use of specific rescue tools – Inflatables, ropes, ice poles
- Self rescue and rescue of others
- Understanding hypothermia, frost bite, and cold water drowning
- Patient handling and packaging
Included in the Course:
- WRI: Ice Rescue text
- Access to WRI online rescue resources and materials
- Certification I.D. Card
- Sticker
Safety
Because of the risk inherent in any activity, we want to make sure you are aware of these risks and acknowledge them prior to the class. Simply put, we cannot guarantee your safety. If a rescue or safety class is to be effective and give students experience and hands-on training, it is not going to be safe. In order for our instructors to provide realistic training with challenges that simulate actual rescue conditions, we recognize there is always the chance that someone is going to get injured. We may be walking along slippery rocky shorelines, walking and crawling on ice, swimming in cold water, and working with ropes and rescue equipment in very realistic scenarios. All of this involves risk, and we will try our best to manage risk in a way that creates a balance between the risk students are exposed to and the levels of challenge presented during the training. To receive a WRI certification from this class you will be expected to demonstrate the ability to perform some specific skills we cover in the course. You may be asked to perform these skills in test stations or drills, or you may be asked to perform them in scenarios. We encourage you to talk with our staff if you have any questions concerning safety. We are proud of our safety record and know that our instructors do not achieve this alone, it takes the help of our students.
Course Calendar & Registration Info
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