Ice Rescue training in VHHS Outdoor Education classes

A few years ago Countryside Fire District was invited to provide a lesson on Hypothermia and the Dangers of Ice in the Vernon Hills High School Outdoor Education classes. The last few years these classes have take the lesson to the next level. Real hands on application in ice rescue. Students have the opportunity to participate in various roles of an ice rescue incident. Jerry Miceli, Lead Outdoor Teacher says,"We like to give the kids a real experience so they would know what to do if they ever encounter such an incident." Students demonstrated what to do if someone went through the ice, and know that to reach with a pole or ladder or throwing a rope or cord to provide assistance. Fire & Life Safety Director Tony Rodkey stated, "This program is very unique in the high school setting and gives students the chance to actually make realistic ice rescues by reaching to victims and the opportunity to put on a cold water suit and make entry into icy water and help remove a victim under close supervision."

These types of programs help make our community safer and our students wiser.