Host Bob Duemmel talks with Mark Cholach, program developer of an innovative and unique rescue program for pack ice emergencies. Pack ice is most commonly found on lakes.
Cholach shares why all the rules of engagement at a typical moving water or still water/ice rescue incident change when responding to pack ice incidents. His response area includes one of the Great Lakes, where pack ice is encountered often.
The two discuss the various components and terminology related to pack ice, equipment considerations, and EMS related priorities. needed personnel protective equipment
Cholach serves with the West Webster, N.Y., Fire Department and is the department’s special operations captain. He is the training coordinator for the Monroe County Fire Bureau and the training manager for the Monroe County Special Operations Unit.
About the Author
Bob Duemmel
Bob Duemmel was the technical rescue editor for Firehouse Magazine and Firehouse.com. A deputy coordinator for Special Operations in Monroe County, NY he recently retired as a captain with the City of Rochester Fire Department. Bob's involvement in technical rescue is very diverse. He is the Plans Manager for New York Task Force-2 USAR Team, a member of the Western New York Incident Management Team and a member of the New York State Technical Rescue curriculum development team. He is a nationally certified instructor with a focus on technical rescue programs. He has delivered training to fire service, industrial, military and international rescue teams and has assisted with exercise evaluation for the United Kingdom and the European Union's USAR program. Bob has also participated in numerous USAR exercised as both a participant and evaluator. He hosted “The Buzz on Technical Rescue” podcast.