Emergency responders complete swiftwater rescue training

Eighteen emergency responders and employees of the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho were certified as Swiftwater Rescue Technicians on August 6. Boundary Search and Dive Rescue Team, Inc. hosted the class put on by Whitewater Rescue Institute of Missoula, Mont. from Aug. 4, through Aug. 6.

First responders from Boundary Search and Dive Rescue Team, Boundary County Sheriff’s Department, Boundary Volunteer Ambulance, South Boundary Fire Protection District, and employees of the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho Fisheries Program all participated in the class. Beginning Friday Aug. 4, students began learning the ins and out of Swiftwater Rescue. The class included a four hour classroom lecture, and two days of practical scenario based training on the Kootenai River at the Yaak Campground.

Students learned the essential skills of Swiftwater Rescue including: Hydrology, rescue organization,communication, entrapment and extrication, stranded swimmers, and self rescue techniques. The class meets national Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) Standards 1006 and 1670, and is the standard for professional swiftwater rescue teams nationwide.