[ad_1]
It’s part of the training required by the Federal Aviation Administration, but firefighters hope they never have to react in real life.
“It’s the hardest part when a plane crashes is getting to them,” said Dan Olson, captain of the MSP fire department. “The seconds could mean life or death for someone, of course.”
“People won’t do much anymore when they’re in this environment,” added Bob Koenig, MSP fire chief.
Olson and his crew took turns at the boat launch at nearby Fort Snelling State Park to practice loading a specialized airboat in and out of the water and recreating the rescue of passengers.
“The first thing I think about is how difficult it is,†said Olson.
Koenig said conditions on the water can change all the time, making it even more important to repeat the response.
“If we don’t time correctly it’s next to impossible to pull them into the boat and save them,†Koenig said.
Officials say the boat is so loud that they have to rely on other means of communication, including helmets.
“Communication is difficult, so learning to use hand signals, gestures in order to communicate as a crew,†Koenig said.
While the equipment and mission may be different from what these firefighters are used to, they know this is crucial training.
“We continue to train and we have to be ready,†said Olson.
The MSP fire department will organize similar training over the winter.
[ad_2]
