A training session on water rescues turned real for firefighters in suburban St. Louis when the crews sprang into action to save two teenagers.
Maryland Heights Fire Protection District crews were wrapping up training Tuesday on Creve Coeur Lake when they spotted two people running across it, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. As they watched, the ice covering the lake broke and the pair fell through.
The training firefighters, along with Pattonville and Creve Coeur firefighters, quickly scrambled to pull the two teens to safety from the icy lake within minutes.
The Maryland Heights fire district posted video of the rescue on YouTube and details about the rescue on its Facebook page.
"What started out as a training exercise in Ice Rescue operations turned into a real life emergency for 2 teens. The Maryland Heights Fire Protection District took advantage of the weather and the ice conditions at Creve Coeur Lake today. Training was wrapping up when one of our chiefs spotted 2 people running across the lake. In less than 15 seconds of the teens being spotted running across, the ice broke and they were in the water. The crew that was still present went into response mode along with the two chiefs. A full response was requested. The Maryland Heights Fire Protection District crew along with the Pattonville Fire Protection District assisted by Creve Coeur Fire Protection District responded. The initial crew were able to get 4 rescuers on the ice and remove the victims in a very timely fashion. Thank you to the Maryland Heights Police Department officers who assisted in the rescue.
We ask one thing from everyone- Stay off the ice!
These 2 were lucky with their outcome because we had crews within seconds but not everyone is that lucky." - Maryland Heights Fire Protection District/Facebook