Tis the season for ice rescues to become a concern for many departments.  The logistical challenges of water and ice rescue are many, and managing them safely and effectively, particularly if it’s not something your department has to deal with regularly, can be a challenge.  They require specialized equipment, as well as a specialized training program, to ensure victims and first responders make it out of the water and ice safely.  Below, we’ll share info on some of the specialized equipment DFC offers to help with ice and water rescue, as well as links to some best practices and training information for your reference!

Mustang Ice Commander Rescue Suit

The Mustang Ice Commander™ is the suit of choice for search and rescue teams, fire departments, and ice rescue professionals. The modular suit is completely waterproof with a watertight hood, integrated gloves, and attached boots. The flotation and insulation performance of a zip-in buoyancy liner allows users to immerse themselves for long periods of time in icy cold water and maintain mental and physical capabilities. Updated liner with zipper and velcro attachments allows easier removal for cleaning and repair.Each Ice Commander™ has an integrated chest harness for attachment to tether lines, ice awl pockets for storage, rubber gloves, reinforced knees and non-slip rubber soles on the attached boots. As well, each suit is 45% lighter than other rescue suits as it is made in a high visibility welded nylon shell.

Note: ICE AND WATER RESCUES ARE INHERENTLY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD ONLY BE PERFORMED BY PROFESSIONALS WHO HAVE THE APPROPRIATE TRAINING AND THE APPROPRIATE EQUIPMENT FOR PERFORMING THESE MISSIONS. The Ice Commander is intended for ice and still/static cold-water rescues only by trained professionals with the required and approved operating standards and requirements of their state or county.

• Water-tight hood and face seal
• SOLAS reflective tape and Velcro™ patch for light attachment
• Heavy duty zipper – flexible full-length zipper provides a water-tight seal
• Welded nylon outer shell – provides waterproofing and durability
• High performance urethane-coated nylon exterior makes cleaning and repairs easier
• Safety harness – integral self-adjusting safety harness
• Ergonomic ice awl pockets – sleeve pockets customized to attach and stow ice awls
• Pockets easily secured with Velcro™ (ice awls not included)
• Detachable inner buoyancy liner – constructed of closed-cell AirSoft™ foam for maximum flotation and thermal insulation (Replacement Liner MA2282 03)
• Liner can be unzipped and removed for cleaning and in-the-field repairs
• Note: IC9001 03 is not compatible with the MA2282 02 Replacement Liner
• Reinforced knees – reinforced and padded with 2.5 mm neoprene
• Seat and elbows are reinforced with shell fabric

Mustang Survival Water Rescue Suit

This constant wear dry suit is based on the functionality of our legendary Swift Water Rescue Dry Suit, but with sizes that fit a broader range. It utilizes our Rapid Repair Technology to improve mobility for water rescue professionals.

This constant wear dry suit is based on the functionality of our legendary Swift Water Rescue Dry Suit, but with sizes that fit a broader range. It utilizes our Rapid Repair Technology to improve mobility for water rescue professionals. GORTEX® fabric and a lightweight YKK AquaSEAL® entry zipper ensure the Water Rescue Suit is waterproof and breathable. Nylon reinforcement in high-wear areas is dependably durable, while knee and elbow pads help prevent injury. A two-point attachment suspender system, adjustable waist belt, and leg and wrist velcro closures provide the necessary efficient fit for successful missions. The suit design is compatible with the many types of equipment required in water rescue situations.

• GORE-TEX® waterproof and breathable dry suit fabric
• Elongated, lightweight-polymer YKK AquaSEAL® entry zipper
• Two-point attachment removable suspender system for improved fit, mobility, and comfort
• Rapid Repair Technology™ enables users to self-replace neck and wrist seals and repair small leaks in an hour or less
• Rapid Repair Adjustable Neck Seal combines the benefits of our adjustable neck seal with our Rapid Repair Technology™
• Nylon reinforced elbows, knees, seat, and overcuffs
• Knee and elbow pads help prevent injury
• Pull adjust waist belt
• Integrated GORE-TEX® dry socks
• Leg and wrist overcuffs Velcro® closures for adjustability
• SOLAS retro-reflective tape for increased visibility
• 1 Package of YKK Aquaseal® lubricant
• Closed Comfort System (CCS) adjustable neck seal
• Trim-to-fit neoprene wrist seals
• Compatible with MA7105 Carrying Bag
• Custom Order Features: Agency markings and other colors available by special order
• Extended Velcro loop on the leg gaiter accommodates larger boots

FAST Board

When seconds count, the need to pinpoint your cadre, your patients, and your equipment is obvious. With the addition of our new lighted system the FAST Board becomes a beacon for rescuers engaged in “Saving Our Own, FAST.”  This fully integrated system features internally mounted white LED lighting and a rechargeable battery pack which provides approximately 1+ hours of illumination.

Dinges Fire Ice & Water Rescue Training Clip

FAST Inflatable Floatation Collar for FAST Board

Inflatable flotation support and stability system for the FAST Board.   This collar inflates with two 60gr CO2 cartridges, providing 135lbs of buoyancy to the FAST Board.

• The inflatable collar keeps the FAST Board stable and above water
• 8 Durable hook loop straps attach evenly
• Two 60gr CO2 cartridges
• 120LBS. of lift
• The deflated collar folds up for easy storage and transportation, can also stay attached to the FAST Board
• Grab Handles on sides
• Quick-release connection loops disengage quickly from the board

FAST Flotation Device

The FAST Flotation Device is a quick attachment for the FAST Rescue System which enables rescuers’ ability to operate in water and ice victim rescue. When attached to the FAST Rescue Board System, the FAST Flotation device creates leverage and mechanical advantage when operating on ice or on-board small watercraft. This device is perfect for easily packaging a patient and your ability to move them in these difficult environments.

• Quick Attachment
• Abrasion Resistant Bottom
• Floating Grab Handles
• Reinforced Internal Attachment Points
• Uses 3M™ SOLAS Marine Reflective Conspicuity Tape
• Mildew Resistant
• Open Snap Ends for Easy Drying
• Built to Industry Standards

FAST Throw Bag

NFPA with 50′ 8mm grabline.  Great accessory for water and ice rescue.

FAST Drag Blanket

A quick attachment for the FAST Rescue System. Provides abrasion protection for the lower extremities. For situations such as HazMat, debris piles, and civilian rescues.

Fire Ninja Arm-Loc

NRS Rescue Sled

On water, ice or snow the NRS ASR (All Surface Rescue) 155 Rescue Boat puts your rescue team where it needs to be. Backed by NRS’s many years of boat-building expertise, rescuers rely on rugged dependability and efficient design for success in unpredictable situations.

• Overall dimensions (15.5’L x 49″W) deliver the length for carrying 3-4 people and the width for reliable stability in turbulent waters.
• Center deck is designed to accommodate a standard rescue crew (25″ x 96″).
• The deck’s 4″ thick drop-stitch construction inflates to 10 psi creating a super rigid work surface, and multiple drain holes shed water quickly.
• Textured EVA foam deck pad for slip-resistant traction.
• Rescuers can grab any of the 26 interior handles in rough water or use them to attach gear or secure victims.
• Open design at the bow and stern give rescuers better access for pulling a victim onboard.
• 12″ diameter tubes diminish to 9″ with four air chambers for added safety.
• An armored underside resists the abrasion and damage from water obstacles, ice and crusted snow.
• Leafield A6 Pressure Relief Valves on each inflation chamber let you safely keep the ASR 155 inflated, no matter the ambient temperature. Side tubes release at 4 psi and the floor at 10 psi.
• 20 1″ D-rings along the sides are connected with grab line for rescuer and victim handholds.
• Three heavy-duty 2″ D-rings on each end for towing and lifting.
• Four side and two end carry handles are padded for ease of transport and quickly identifiable with reflective material.
• Contrasting Hi-Viz Yellow with red ‘RESCUE’ panel, along with reflective accents, ensures visibility in a variety of conditions.
• Includes a heavy-duty carry bag and two highly visible Red 280cm NRS PTR SAR Paddles.

Rescue Alive Ice Rescue Sled

Thin ice is a trap and every year hundreds of people fall into that trap. The RESCUE ALIVE enables your rescuer to run over very thin ice by distributing his weight over a large surface or to paddle through open water to reach a victim quickly. The Rescue Alive sled creates a stable platform in any conditions during ice and water rescues. The sled allows the rescuer to get to the victim quickly and attach them to the sled for a secure and safe rescue for both the first responder and victim.

The size of the Rescue Alive sled makes the product portable and easy to deploy. The unit weighs 88 lbs. and provides 600 lbs. of flotation. This unit is deployed by releasing one Velcro strap, which is then used to tether the modified paddle. Pontoons are made from expanded polystyrene core with high density polyethylene covering.

Rescuers do not lose time inflating hooking up air compressors to blow up inflatables rescue devices.

Rescuers are not at risk working on an unstable plate form that won’t support their weight and the weight of a water-soaked victim.

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