Cold Water Rescue Skills Emphasized
Firefighters in Western New York recently completed ice and cold water rescue certification training. This specialized skill is crucial for departments in northern climates or those with significant maritime environments. The training is highly relevant for firefighters in coastal cities like Seattle, which has extensive waterfronts and lakes.
- Sudden immersion in water under 60°F can trigger an involuntary gasping reflex, which can lead to drowning even for strong swimmers. This "cold shock" response also causes a sudden spike in heart rate and blood pressure, which can be dangerous. [- The Seattle Fire Department's](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQEo2KY_Lt8wVbev05MQT5SErgEWQ_wFBDlh5O4lPGQmzJnXClyMC4_qgYHEKIPAtOCdur3blqXbBSsEAOQ8sLAtO7y53U9DdXDNiqnxE5ZX3wSt6-QIFkMGav5lLV8KFUwk6o3WbAODdVuILwjdNYU6Ca4kRhW9FHcGFdk42SvnJufsIbwuvEaME7kekoFE9JukHAE=) Marine Unit operates four fireboats from two stations: Station 5 on the waterfront is home to the 108-foot *Fireboat Leschi* and the 50-foot *Fireboat 2*, while Station 3 at Fisherman's Terminal houses the 97-foot *Fireboat Chief Seattle* and the 50-foot *Fireboat 1*. - In water at 50°F, the estimated 50% survival time for a lightly clothed person is about two hours. However, physical incapacitation, where a person can no longer control their arms and legs, can occur within 10 minutes in water under 70°F. - The SFD's Special Operations division includes a dive rescue team that responds out of Station 14 in the SODO area. This team handles complex incidents like structural collapses, trench rescues, and confined space emergencies in addition to dive rescues. - In July 2024, the Seattle Fire Foundation donated two customized Sea-Doos to the department to speed up water rescue response times on Lake Washington. These watercraft can reach speeds of 52 mph, allowing rescue swimmers to get to the northern end of the lake in 11 minutes. - The department's new recruit school is a 15.5-week program that includes approximately 700 hours of training in various disciplines, including marine firefighting. - Water transfers heat away from the body about 25 times faster than air, which is why hypothermia is a significant risk during cold water immersion. Hypothermia begins when the body's core temperature drops to 95°F. - The Seattle Fire Department responds to an average of 70 water rescues per year.
