Ice Rescue Technician Course
Course Summary:
The focus of this one-day training program is on surface rescue for cold water and ice incidents with an emphasis on personal survival and safety of the rescuer. It is designed to provide the public safety and rescue professional with the knowledge and skills necessary for safe rescue and recovery operations in, on and around ice and cold water.
Date: Please visit our Course Registration page for available course dates.
Location: Westbrook, Maine
Additional Course Information:
The Lifesaving Resources Ice Rescue Technician (IRT) Course is an internationally-standardized program that meets/exceeds NFPA 1670 & NFPA 1006 Standards, and can be customized to meet the needs of the local First Responder organizations.
This intensive and fast-paced, educational program is designed as a foundation for all public safety and rescue professionals, including Law Enforcement, Fire, Rescue, and EMS Personnel. The focus of this one-day training program is on surface rescue for cold water and ice incidents with an emphasis on personal survival and safety of the rescuer. It is designed to provide the public safety and rescue professional with the knowledge and skills necessary for safe rescue and recovery operations in, on and around ice and cold water.
Lifesaving Resources Ice Rescue Training Video:
Course Day Schedule:
The one-day IRT course is scheduled from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Sign-in begins at 7:30 AM. Lunch is provided; several breaks are provided throughout the day.
The comprehensive course includes a minimum of 3 hours of classroom instruction, followed by on/through-the-ice practical sessions.
During the 15 practical evolutions, each participant rotates through various positions at each station including Primary Rescuer, Secondary Rescuer, and Victim. Participants are continually active during the 15 practical evolutions and are responsible for manning tether lines when not serving in the above capacities.
After completing the rotation within each practical evolution, the team of students then immediately rotates to another practical evolution.
Subjects and/or practical evolutions include the following:
- The Rescue Process
- Ice Safety Principles
- Incident Command
- Cold Water Rescue and Survival
- Ice Rescue and Survival
- Recognition and Management of Hypothermia
- Use of Specialized Safety and Rescue Equipment
Prerequisite:
The two intensive 2.5 hour practical sessions require each participant to have exclusive use of an approved Ice Rescue Suit (i.e. Mustang Ice Commander, Survitec Imperial 1500, Stearns Driflex, First Watch, Stearns Neoprene I595).
The IRT Candidate must be in good physical condition and must be comfortable in deep water while wearing a Cold Water/Ice Rescue Suit or Dry Suit with a PFD.
Required Equipment:
Participants must have exclusive use of an approved cold water/ice rescue suit, but rental suits are available.
Course Completion:
Certificates and insignia are awarded to those who successfully meet all educational course objectives including:
- participation in classroom session
- completion of all practical evaluations
- pass the written final examination
Individuals who successfully complete the classroom session and the final written examination, but who cannot participate or successfully complete the practical sessions, will be awarded an Ice Rescue Awareness certificate.
Instructor:
Gerald M. Dworkin (Gerry) is a professional Aquatics Safety & Water Rescue Consultant for Lifesaving Resources, LLC and is the author of publications including “Lifeguard Competition Guidebook” and “Ice Rescue Course Guidebook” (published by Lifesaving Resources).
Gerry has an extensive background in Aquatics Safety, Water Rescue, Ice Rescue, EMS, and Public Safety and Rescue. Along with his textbooks, he has written and published over 40 articles, and has consulted in over 350 drowning and aquatic injury litigation cases as a Forensics Expert.
Gerry has appeared as an expert on such national media broadcasts as CNN; MSNBC; CBS’ Early Show; ABC’s Good Morning America; NBC’s Today Show; and The Weather Channel. He is frequently contacted for interviews by publications throughout the U.S. on matters pertaining to submersion incidents; Lifeguard operations and management; submerged vehicle incidents; aquatics safety; water rescue; and ice rescue.
A Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician for over 40 years, Gerry was a career Firefighter/EMT with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in Virginia. He is currently a Firefighter/EMT with the Kennebunkport Fire Department in Maine.
Course Cancellation and Refunds:
Please visit our cancellations and refunds page for our complete policy.
Course Host and Sponsorship Opportunities
Any agency, organization, company, or association may host or sponsor any of our training programs. For details, contact Lifesaving Resources at 207/967-8614 or e-mail [email protected].