Weird winter weather impacts river rescue training

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — To say this has been a strange winter would be an understatement. And it has impacted the river rescue training for the Fargo Fire Dept. because there is not a lot of ice out there.

“It just makes it where even though it’s maybe not as in-depth as we like it to be. Still, it’s more suit time, which eventually makes everybody become more proficient with everything.” said Nathan Adams, a captain with FFD.

Working with new suits and getting some training on the Red River, these crewmen are braving some very chilly temps. Most winters, the crews would have plenty of ice to work with on the Red River, but not this year as they’ve had to use different tactics to get those reps in. Fargo Fire was able to find some ice in North Fargo, even if it was a small amount. Because whether there is ice or no ice they have to be prepared for everything.

“Does make it so that you have to do a lot more kind of simulated or saying this is what we do in this situation. We were lucky enough that earlier this year an outside agency came in and we were able to train on one of their tension ponds.” said Adams.

Even though there is a lack of ice on the Red River, that doesn’t mean there isn’t any danger. The river water is very cold, leading to issues like hypothermia for people that end up in the water.

“Temperature in general for our crews, for our patients themselves and if the patient has been in the water for a duration of time you have to be very gentle with their body. Because the way the body works, you can actually cause more issues than what they are already having.” said Adams.