![]() Just after 10am, SBES was called to Round Valley for a report of possible victims in the water from by bystanders on the shoreline. 1st arriving units met with those bystanders and found an overturned boat about 500yds out with one to two people stranded on top of it. SBES Water Rescue Team arrived with Marine 365 and 4 rescuers, who rushed to the aid of the victims. The Rescue Team found two adult males who had been in the water anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes and were exhibiting many signs of hypothermia. Crews were able to arrive, pull the victims out, and return in just under one minute, with the total rescue from shoreline to shoreline being just under 5 minutes. Victims were carried from Marine 365 and transferred to BLS and ALS crews at the shore for treatment and prompt transport to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment. The combined efforts and swift actions of the bystanders on shore, the BLS/ALS crews who treated the patients, and the SBES Water Rescue Team, truly made a difference in the outcome of today's rescue. Earlier this week, SBES Water Rescue members were conducting a cold water / ice rescue training drill in the Town of Clinton, which all of today's rescuers had also participated in. Photos by: Rich Maxwell
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![]() Last Monday, SBES members took the opportunity to practice some skills that we haven't been able to practice over the last couple of years. With this week's frigged temperatures, members could train on various ice rescue tactics at a local pond. Rescuers trained on "go" operations with the squad's MARSAR Sled. The MARSAR sled is a multi-purpose ice rescue device. The device allows rescuers to remain out of the water and on top of the ice while affecting the rescue. This not only streamlines the rescue but makes the rescue process safer for all involved. The rescuer's also practiced the use of aerial-based rescues. This is also another scenario that is not often practiced. We want to thank the Clinton Fire Department for assisting us in this drill. Ice conditions for the exercise were perfect. Often when ice in our area occurs, we have relatively thick ice. The ice for the training was extremely thin, which made all involved work hard to get on top of the ice. At the time, the ice would break too fast for some members to get on top. We want to remind all community members to never go out on the ice of our local rivers and ponds. Ice thickness can vary even with freezing temperatures. The ice may look thick, but looks can be deceiving. Thank you to Rich Maxwell for the pictures! South Branch Emergency Services would like to thank the Hunterdon Board of County Commissioners for supporting all the County's EMS Agencies, including ours, in our continued response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. SBES has received our units and have placed on our 2 of our first due units. Hunterdon Rescue Squads To Receive New Protective Air Respirators From CountyNew Hunterdon County Board of County Commissioners Director Susan J. Soloway announced, at the January 5 th Re-organization meeting, that the Board has approved providing state of the art air purifying respirator units, which offer high level respiratory protection, to each of the county’s thirteen Volunteer Rescue Squads. Soloway stated, “Providing two state of the art 3M Power Air-Purifying Respirator Kits to each of the County’s thirteen Rescue Squads is part of the Board’s continuing effort to support those who have put themselves on the line for all of us, not only throughout the pandemic, but also through the years. I am advised these respiratory protection systems give maximum protection to users and are of significant value for responding to unknown air quality situations.” Soloway remarked, “The equipment carries a cost that normally exceeds the fiscal capabilities of local volunteer units, which have also been severely affected by the economic impacts of the pandemic. Our First Responders have put themselves on the line for all of us throughout the pandemic. Where the County can provide these brave individuals with the equipment and protections they need, we are going to do so.” Commissioner John E. Lanza, the Board’s Public Safety liaison noted, “The County’s OEM has worked tirelessly to provide the necessary PPE to those on the front lines of the pandemic, including rescue squads, fire companies, our municipalities, and many other entities. These air respirators will enhance protections for those emergency medical services personnel who are often confronted by the unknown in the field.” Hunterdon County’s Acting Public Safety Director and Emergency Management Coordinator Brayden Fahey added, “Experiences over the last several years have prompted our EMS agencies to implement enhancements for both responder and patient safety. Incidents like the 2014 Ebola outbreak and COVID-19 pandemic pose communicable disease and illness risks that required agency leaders to identify additional personal protective equipment. These PAPRs will offer tremendous protection in the prehospital environment” The equipment is expected to be distributed by the end of the week FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: January 15, 2021 Contact: Susan J. Soloway, Director [email protected] |
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