Low-lying areas of the Salcha community near the Salcha and Tanana Rivers, and especially the Piledriver Slough Area are routinely subjected to flooding conditions. SFR has rescue assets on alert and continually trains to ensure that Swiftwater Rescue Capability is available for Salcha.
Swiftwater Rescue TrainingDuring August 2009, eight SFR volunteers along with volunteers from other FNSB fire services and members of the Fairbanks Kayakers Club completed a 3-day swiftwater rescue course taught by Arizona-based Rescue Inc. The training proved to be very challenging, and on third and final day included working in a continual downpour on the remote middle reaches of the Chena River.
 |
The course included a review and practice of rope rescue procedures. Rope rescue is an essential element of most swiftwater rescue techniques. |
 |
The team soon learned that dry suits, although not very stylish or comfortable, are the only way to survive prolonged exposure in the cold Alaska rivers. |
 |
Ideally, rescuers can throw a line to survivors and avoid having to enter hazardous conditions. Eagle-eyed Salchans swept the Throw Line Competition for accuracy, winning all three top prizes. |
 |
Eventually everyone practiced their swimming skills. Our volunteers were required to demonstrate rescuing survivors in a variety of situations, including both cooperative and non-cooperative victims. |
 |
The team learned and practiced various techniques to safely cross flood-swollen rivers and streams. |
 |
Although not normally something that SFR rescuers will be confronted with, the final phase of training involved rescuing survivors from overturned rafts. This was perhaps the most fun phase of training as it involved floating down the picturesque Chena River and observing various river obstacles such as sweepers (above water) and strainers (under water) as we took turns turning the raft over to practice rescue techniques. |
 |
In the end we all survived the challenges of our instructor and the elements, and stand ready to use our new skills should we be called upon. |