First responders from the Council Bluffs Fire Department in Iowa had an
exceptional opportunity yesterday to undergo flight training and learn flood
rescue techniques in their new 6-passenger Neoteric Rescue HoverTrek. HTC
flight instructors Chris Fitzgerald and Steve Stafford conducted their training
on the Wabash River, now at 22.8 ft. flood stage.
 |
The steep Wabash River boat ramp is submerged in water all the way to the
parking lot
as Council Bluffs’ first responders begin their training. |
Fire Chief Justin James reported, “I
am excited to get back to Council Bluffs and start training our personnel on
the new rescue craft. Crazy part was we were operating in real flood waters
here in Terre Haute. Reminded me of 2011. It was awesome being able to operate
in deep and shallow flood water without having to worry about destroying a
motor or boat. We also got to train rescuing victims that may be stranded in
trees or roofs of homes due to the rising waters. We simply used the craft to
hover into and hold position near these real obstacles.”
 |
A structure near the Wabash River is nearly covered with water.
|
Firefighter Jason Sornson added, “Big
thanks to Chris and Steve for an awesome experience. Everything around the Wabash
River was flooded, which led to an amazing training experience! Great machine
for Council Bluffs Fire Department!”
Sornson is correct – their new hovercraft is a great asset for their
city. When Chief James said the flooded Wabash River reminded him of 2011, he
was referring to a summer of massive floods in Council Bluffs, so severe that
the National Guard had to be called in to assist with hundreds of rescues.
Dozens of homes and other structures literally collapsed in the torrential
rains and flash floods.
As the U.S. National Weather Service reports, “Flooding is one of the leading causes of weather-related fatalities in
the U.S. … People underestimate the force and power of water, especially when
it is moving. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock over and carry off
an adult. Twelve inches of water can float a small car; if that water is
moving, it can carry that car away. Eighteen to twenty-four inches of flowing
water can carry away most vehicles.”
That’s why fire departments and other rescue agencies are increasingly
relying on hovercraft as the ideal vehicle for flood rescue operations. As a
newscaster reported during the recent floods in Texas,
“A hovercraft is sometimes the easiest way for the rescuers to get to folks
surrounded by these waters … You can’t go out in normal boats because you don’t
know what kind of debris is out there … These hovercraft are just a much more
effective way …”
And Neoteric’s Rescue HoverTrek, with its
patented reverse thrust, easily and safely operates in debris-filled floodwater and has the unique
maneuverability for up-close access to victims without forcing first responders
to enter the water.
 |
Council Bluffs Fire Department’s new 6-passenger Rescue HoverTrek at the flooded
Wabash River.
|
First responders:
Learn why a Neoteric
hovercraft is the preferred flood rescue vehicle …
Take a Test Flight or Training Course at HTC
