Local firefighters learn how to save lives in the ice

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — While they may not be common, ice rescues are not unheard of in central Illinois and it's important that local fire crews are prepared for them.

On Friday and Saturday, several local fire departments gathered in Champaign to learn how to rescue someone who fell beneath the ice.

"This is what we call a high risk, low frequency type event where, it doesn't happen often, but when it does happen, our firefighters and rescuers need to be ready for this," said Tyler Prater, Owner and Lead Instructor of Muddy River Divers.

The departments were led by instructors like Prater, who specialize in water rescue techniques. They showed the crews how to safely get themselves, and others, out of cold water while wearing ice rescue suits.

Each person played the role of victim, and rescuer, so they could understand what it is like it be stuck in the water.

"Adrenaline plays a big part in any type of rescue operation as a firefighter and that's why we train to where it becomes muscle memory," said Prater. "We hope that the training and scenarios are more intense than what it would be in real life. That way, when they come to a real life situation, it might be easier for them."

Firefighters from Danville, Savoy, Rantoul, and Champaign all participated in the training.