Page 33 - Highlights for Children (December 2017)
P. 33
Ice Suit
Ice suits are one piece from
head to toe (with built-in
gloves and boots), made to
keep firefighters warm and
dry. To keep the suits in
good condition for a real
rescue, firefighters use
older suits during practice.
A firefighter tells
water behind the victim. Next,
the “victim” to
he wraps the harness under Neoprene
grab onto the face guard fits
boogie board. the victim’s arms and clips it
securely in place. He gives a snugly to prevent
signal and the onshore crew water leaks
As a firefighter
pulls the rope. As the rope Beneath the
makes his way
tightens, the rescuer lifts the waterproof shell
across the ice, a is a buoyant
victim’s legs so he’s on his belly. Built-in
rope keeps him safety foam liner
Together, they sail across the ice.
attached to the harness for
crew onshore. rescuer
He gives a signal
and the onshore Ice awl
pockets on
crew pulls the rope. each arm
carries a “victim harness,”
a padded section of rope Once they’re on land,
with a heavy metal clip called firefighters switch roles. When
a carabiner at the end. The every firefighter has had a turn
other carries a victim harness at rescuing and playing “victim,”
plus a boogie board. they all put on warm, dry
Meanwhile, onshore crew clothes and head back to the
members wearing life vests talk station for hot chocolate.
to the “victim” to keep him calm,
the way they would during a “Dispatch—Engine 55 on
real rescue. scene. We have one dog in the
Near the ice hole, a rescuer water. Dog’s owner onshore,”
drops to her belly and crawls. says the officer.
The second rescuer rolls. Both Rescuers pile out of the fire
methods spread out the weight truck, pull on their suits, and
so they don’t also fall through head onto the ice. The beagle has
the ice. been dog-paddling to stay afloat. Victim
The firefighter with the She’s exhausted but overjoyed to harness
boogie board explains that see her rescuer. She swims
they’re there to help. She slides straight into his arms and licks
the board to the edge of the ice his face. The firefighter gives a
shelf and tells the victim to grab signal and the onshore crew reels
Boogie
on. The second firefighter burps them in. When the dog is safe on Rope
board bag
his suit as he slips into the land, everyone cheers.
DECEMBER 2017 33
