Oak Bluffs Stages Ice Rescue Drill During Big Chill
Preparing the equipment to be used during drill.
Preparing the equipment to be used during drill.
Fire Chief John Rose scheduled practice during frigid time.
Fire Chief John Rose scheduled practice during frigid time.
Zipping up the survival suit.
Zipping up the survival suit.
Following protocal to ensure safety.
Following protocal to ensure safety.
Matt Gongola, Anthony BenDavid and John O'Donnell head out onto pond.
Matt Gongola, Anthony BenDavid and John O'Donnell head out onto pond.
Cutting hole in ice.
Cutting hole in ice.
Fire department gather to participate in rescue.
Fire department gather to participate in rescue.
Matt Gongola is the first to volunteer as victim.
Matt Gongola is the first to volunteer as victim.
Working their way across the frozen surface of the pond with care.
Working their way across the frozen surface of the pond with care.
Rescuers use sling to haul victim by safety lines.
Rescuers use sling to haul victim by safety lines.
Drill was staged on a pond at The Preserve, a housing development off County Road.
Drill was staged on a pond at The Preserve, a housing development off County Road.
Simulated rescue took place in Oak Bluffs in one degree weather.
Simulated rescue took place in Oak Bluffs in one degree weather.
Oak Bluffs firefighters staged an ice rescue drill with temperatures hovering about one degree above zero and a wind chill of 18 below. Volunteers played the victims, and others practiced the skills and equipment needed to ensure safety.