This weekend, eight Fame firefighters, eight Berwyn firefighters and an Avondale firefighter completed the 16 hour PA Fish and Boat Commission Ice Rescue and Emergency Response (IRER) program held at Station 53. This course was instructed by WhiteCap Water Rescue. Saturday morning was classroom where students learned about the different features of ice, the formation of ice, use of proper PPE, signs and symptoms of hypothermia and technical rescue techniques for a successful ice rescue. That afternoon, students performed a prescribed swim, practiced throw-bag techniques, survival and self-rescue techniques at the pool at The Westtown School.

Sunday's practical evaluation was held at the North Hills Lake in West Goshen Twp. Crews trained in very realistic conditions with ice thickness between 3"-4". Instructors cut three large holes for students to practice skills and be evaluated. Students demonstrated self-rescue techniques as well as various non-contact and contact, or "GO", rescue techniques. Students rotated being a "victim" and being the rescuer. All in attendance successfully completed all stations and will be certified as Ice Rescue Technicians by the PA Fish and Boat Commission. Congratulations to all!

Special thanks to The Westtown School for use of their pool and to the North Hills Community Association for allowing us to use the lake.

**All photos courtesy of Captain Ted Brawn-Station 2**