The Vestal Fire Protection District contains the Susquehanna River, which flows along the town's northern border, as well as several large creeks and ponds. In 1996 it was decided to form a team of volunteers who would receive specialized training in dealing with the unique hazards of performing rescues in and near these bodies of water. Hence the Vestal Fire Department's Water Rescue Team was formed.
The team is led under the direction of a Team leader and two assistants appointed by the Vestal Fire Department special operations Chief. It consists of 24 members. 18 Certified swift water technicians, and 6 shore support personnel.
This training takes place the first Sunday of every month and is in addition to the regular weekly training given to all Vestal Fire Department members.
The team responds to all water rescue calls in the Town of Vestal. The majority of water rescue equipment is provided by the two Boat units although a call within the Vestal Fire District could include one of the four zone engines. Each engine carries a first responder kit containing two: Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), Helmets, and 70' Throw Bags.
OVERVIEW OF THE VFD WATER RESCUE PROGRAM
PROGRAM OBJECTIVE
To promote and maintain the current Vestal Volunteer Fire Department's Water Rescue Program which is a structured attempt at improving the training, equipment, pre-planning, and general knowledge relating to water rescue type incidents within the district.
To provide a structured water rescue response for mutual aid calls to our neighboring departments.
TRAINING
Monthly Training Sessions on the first Sunday (classroom, pool, river, or pond)
Certified Courses offered to members:
- Swift water Rescue Training
- Ice Rescue Technician
- Flood Rescue
- New York State Boat Operators Course
Water Rescue Team also trains in Low Angle Rope Rescue.
PRIMARY RESCUE APPARATUS
Boat 32-1
2006 Rescue One
Water Rescue, Cold Weather/Ice Rescue Equipment
Boat 32-3
1999 Rescue One Conector Boat
Flat Bottom, 40HP E-Tec Engine
Boats receive weekly check sheets & an annual preventive maintenance visit to an authorized dealer
SUPPORT APPARATUS
- Emergency Support 3 (ES 32-3) - transports Boat 32-3, 4 wheel drive
- Brush Truck 1 (BRUSH 32-1) - transports Boat 32-1, 4 wheel drive
- RESCUE 32-2 - team support vehicle for shelter, rehab, wet suit/ice suit, dressing room.
- Boat 32-1
- Boat 32-3
- 2 Oceanid Rapid Deployment Crafts
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE AND RESCUE EQUIPMENT
- All Swift Water Rescue Technicians receive Dry Suits
- 5.0mm Wet Suit (top and bottom)
- 5.0mm booties, 3mm gloves, 6.5mm hoods
- Stearns Ice/Cold Water Rescue Suits (with pick-o-lifes and ice screws)
- Personal Flotation Devices - Type III Hi-Float and Type V SwiftWater Ranger w/harness - throughout the district, go with mutual aid calls
- Whistles
- ½" PMI water rescue rope
- Carabiners
- Rescue Throw Bags (60' and 70')
- Rescue Helmets
- Binoculars
- Body Recovery bag and rescue cargo net
- Standard EMS plastic Backboard
- Search and Rescue (SAR) Vests for Shore Support personnel