Here is some good news to report. More and more Fire Depts are selecting the Rapid Diver for the rapid rescue dive needs. Below is the latest press release.
FD 1 dives into water rescues
By Anne Lautzenheiser
St. Tammany News
There was a rather unusual group of swimmers hitting the pool at Cross Gates Athletic Club in Slidell this week.
Along with the sunbathers and toddlers splashing in the fountains, several members of St. Tammany Fire District 1 were donning scuba gear and jumping into the water. The group was in its first day of training with the Zeagle Rapid Diver system, a compact set of scuba equipment for aiding in underwater rescues.
According to FD1 Capt. Pat McCloskey, the department has considered the idea of acquiring rescue diving gear for quite some time. Recent drowning deaths spurred the agency into action.
We are surrounded by water in this area, so weve wanted to do this for several years, but we didnt quite know how to go about it, said McCloskey. Then in the last year, there was one drowning near Eden Isles, and two in Eagle Lake, so we knew it was time to move on it.
McCloskey contacted Rick Sutton, owner of Coral Reef Dive Shop. Sutton helped direct them to the Rapid Diver program, and then volunteered his time to lead the training.
A Master Scuba Dive Trainer since 1995, Sutton has logged over 2,000 dives. He has trained a number of members of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriffs Office, and said the firefighters, some of whom were already certified divers, were very comfortable in the water.
Their reaction was fantastic, said Sutton. A lot more people showed up for the training than we had planned, because they are really excited to do anything thats going to help them save more lives.
Sutton said that while the firefighters are already familiar with using compressed air in a self-contained breathing apparatus, which help provide breathable air when fighting fires. Using them underwater is a little more involved, however, and Sutton said they rose to the challenge.
The system includes a lightweight diving harness that can be slipped on in less than a minute, plus a small air canister suitable for a dive of about 15 to 20 minutes in water of moderate depth. It was initially developed for the military, who needed a versatile, easily deployed system for certain missions on the water.
Public safety agencies and first responders around the South, where waterways are more plentiful, began utilizing the system. It is reported to be especially useful in areas of low visibility or difficult shore entry.
Officials at FD1 estimate the equipment can save up to 30 minutes when beginning water rescues. About a dozen members of the department will take part in the initial training, and will be based at three specific engine companies: Eden Isles, Central in Olde Towne, and Brownswitch Road. After a two-week period of training at Cross Gates, the department will begin working with a stripped-down vehicle submerged in one of the local waterways.
According to Chief of Administration Chris Kaufmann, the idea is to supplement the sheriffs office Marine Division Search and Rescue Team.
Were looking at it as a partnership, a way of adding to our commitment to saving lives and property, said Kaufmann. If someone is trapped underwater, this will allow us to get down there and do as much as possible until the sheriffs office gets there.
Sheriff Jack Strain said he wholly supports the endeavor.
People dont realize that drowning doesnt just happen out on the lake; it can happen in a small pond in a subdivision, said Strain. Anytime our fire and police can get additional training to work together, it makes us stronger agencies and gives us a stronger community.
FD 1 dives into water rescues
By Anne Lautzenheiser
St. Tammany News
There was a rather unusual group of swimmers hitting the pool at Cross Gates Athletic Club in Slidell this week.
Along with the sunbathers and toddlers splashing in the fountains, several members of St. Tammany Fire District 1 were donning scuba gear and jumping into the water. The group was in its first day of training with the Zeagle Rapid Diver system, a compact set of scuba equipment for aiding in underwater rescues.
According to FD1 Capt. Pat McCloskey, the department has considered the idea of acquiring rescue diving gear for quite some time. Recent drowning deaths spurred the agency into action.
We are surrounded by water in this area, so weve wanted to do this for several years, but we didnt quite know how to go about it, said McCloskey. Then in the last year, there was one drowning near Eden Isles, and two in Eagle Lake, so we knew it was time to move on it.
McCloskey contacted Rick Sutton, owner of Coral Reef Dive Shop. Sutton helped direct them to the Rapid Diver program, and then volunteered his time to lead the training.
A Master Scuba Dive Trainer since 1995, Sutton has logged over 2,000 dives. He has trained a number of members of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriffs Office, and said the firefighters, some of whom were already certified divers, were very comfortable in the water.
Their reaction was fantastic, said Sutton. A lot more people showed up for the training than we had planned, because they are really excited to do anything thats going to help them save more lives.
Sutton said that while the firefighters are already familiar with using compressed air in a self-contained breathing apparatus, which help provide breathable air when fighting fires. Using them underwater is a little more involved, however, and Sutton said they rose to the challenge.
The system includes a lightweight diving harness that can be slipped on in less than a minute, plus a small air canister suitable for a dive of about 15 to 20 minutes in water of moderate depth. It was initially developed for the military, who needed a versatile, easily deployed system for certain missions on the water.
Public safety agencies and first responders around the South, where waterways are more plentiful, began utilizing the system. It is reported to be especially useful in areas of low visibility or difficult shore entry.
Officials at FD1 estimate the equipment can save up to 30 minutes when beginning water rescues. About a dozen members of the department will take part in the initial training, and will be based at three specific engine companies: Eden Isles, Central in Olde Towne, and Brownswitch Road. After a two-week period of training at Cross Gates, the department will begin working with a stripped-down vehicle submerged in one of the local waterways.
According to Chief of Administration Chris Kaufmann, the idea is to supplement the sheriffs office Marine Division Search and Rescue Team.
Were looking at it as a partnership, a way of adding to our commitment to saving lives and property, said Kaufmann. If someone is trapped underwater, this will allow us to get down there and do as much as possible until the sheriffs office gets there.
Sheriff Jack Strain said he wholly supports the endeavor.
People dont realize that drowning doesnt just happen out on the lake; it can happen in a small pond in a subdivision, said Strain. Anytime our fire and police can get additional training to work together, it makes us stronger agencies and gives us a stronger community.
