Local fire departments joined together to learn ice rescue techniques.

Todd Stahl from White Cap water rescue led the training for Huntington, Alexandria, and Mapleton fire departments. They trained in frigid temperatures to learn how to respond to ice accidents.

“In order to go out and rescue an individual, we must be able to rescue ourselves,” said Stahl.

Stahl said dressing properly with cold gear is key. He helps familiarize the rescuers with various high risk and low risk techniques. They involve direct contact with victims and in some cases involving hypothermia, they use boats.

“ I am just trying to talk to the victim, trying to get them to remain calm. You know that the biggest thing,” Mapleton Fire Department’s Steve Snare said.

Stahl said accidents can happen anywhere from ice-fishing to ice-hockey. He said animals  an fall through the ice causing their owns to attempt rescue themselves.

Crews say don’t take matters into your own hands.