Ten Explores from Post 528, sponsored by the Stony Brook Fire Department, participated, voluntarily, as live victims in a water rescue drill. The Explorers, suitably attired in swimsuits, were transported in Firefighter Denis Lynch’s boat to various positions on the beach at Shipman’s point, and on a shoal adjacent to the Sand Street Beach. Three of them remained on Denis’ boat and were launched into the water from the boat. Brian McAllister was on the boat monitoring their safety and I was on the beach and the bulkhead on Sand Street.

The Marine Rescue vehicle, 5A3-26, was assigned to recover the victims from the water. The Rescue vessel, 5A3-26 is a large rubber pontoon boat propelled by two outboard engines and fitted with a solid deck and control consol. It is most useful in shallow waters and shoal areas. It is also serviceable in deep water, and is patterned after the vessels used by the U. S. Coast Guard in rescue operations.

Three of the older Explorers were launched into deeper water to be rescued by the Rescue vessel. Retrieving live persons from the water was an enlightening exercise for the crew of the rescue vessel. They learned the difference between relatively lightweight dummies, and husky teenagers. It tested their skill. After retrieving the live ‘victims’ the rescue vehicle transported them to the medics on the Sand Street Beach. The various explorers were then picked up from the outer beaches, diagnosed with various injuries and transported to the rescue area on the Sand Street Beach, where they were entrusted to the paramedics.

For the purpose of the drill, two explorers were diagnosed as having back injuries, requiring that they be secured on backboards and transported on the rescue vessel on backboards. When they reached the beach, they were off loaded on the backboards. The victims were then escorted or carried to the triage area and theoretically transported to various hospitals. The realistic aspect of the drill was that each of the Explorers, having been in the water, had to be checked and treated for any exposure resulting from their immersion in the water. No Explorers suffered from exposure. All returned safe and sound. It was a realistic drill and a very valuable exercise thanks to the participation of the Explorers. Up to this time, the rescuers practiced using relatively lightweight dummies.

Joseph O'Donnell
Stony Brook Fire Department
Unit Commissioner and Member
Fire Service Exploring