Gardner Lake, Ice Rescue 02-24-07

On Saturday, February 24th at 0939 AM the Gardner Lake and Salem Fire Departments were dispatched to the Gardner Lake boat launch for an ice fisherman stranded on the ice. Though the fisherman had not fallen through, a few days of warmer temperatures caused the ice to fail around him, with water beginning to seep through the cracks. Because of extensive preplanning, training, and equipment available, Gardner Lake and Salem ice rescue personnel we able to successfully rescue the victim 1500' from shore using a rescue alive sled,ice rescue suits and multiple tether lines. EMS personnel were on scene to care for the victim and provide rehab for rescue personnel. Mutual aid units on scene were from Oakdale fire department with back up rescue equipment and an additional ambulance, an ALS unit from American Ambulance and one engine cover assignment from Colchester Fire Department.

Photos & write up by:
Heather Mislivets