Atlantic Beach Rescue Squad hosts EMS Water Safety Training

For the first time in years, the Atlantic Beach Rescue Squad took emergency medical service professionals out into the water for safety and rescue measures.

“Were taking good EMTs (emergency medical technicians) and making them comfortable in the water,” Nat Etrog, an Atlantic Beach trustee and longtime rescue squad member said.

Roughly 60 paramedics, EMS agency members, firefighters and other rescue squad personnel joined forces to participate in a hands-on EMS Water Safety and Rescue training at the Atlantic Beach Rescue Headquarters at 1 Rescue Road on Aug. 18.

The morning start featured self-rescue, as well as best practices when helping others, like aiding cases on boats, pulling victims from the water and treating someone after a water-rescue related call.

Many times, Etrog said, rescuers are helping anxious and dehydrated victims, if on a boat-related call. At times, there are cases of hypothermia and worse conditions.

The training, sponsored by Nassau County EMS Academy, is in its 11th non-consecutive year. All Nassau County EMTs must get recertified every three to four years and this specific course offers three credits.

— Parker Schug