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News from Cherokee Nation
Copyright © 2004 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, OK - Nearly forty rescue personnel from northeastern Oklahoma converged on the Illinois River this week to learn techniques for rescuing victims in swiftly moving water.
Members from area rescue crews learn correct measures to handle swiftwater emergencies. 
Cherokee Nation Emergency Medical Services (CNEMS) and the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission joined together to teach rescue personnel from across Northeastern Oklahoma rescue measures in high water situations.
“There was no protocol for water rescue before 1992 when we established this program,” said Ed Fite, administrator for the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission. “The Cherokee Nation EMS offered a top-notch training program that allowed for us to offer this type of program.”
The Cherokee Nation Swiftwater Rescue Team is comprised of fourteen CNEMS staff and is mobilized at least a dozen times per year, according to Marten Webb, ambulance supervisor for the Cherokee Nation EMS.
“There are a lot of situations that can arise where you might need to quick respond to someone in a swiftwater area,” said Jeff Chuculate, 911 dispatcher and current member of the Cherokee Nation swiftwater rescue team.
Students spend twenty-four hours in this certification course which calls for one day textbook training and two-day in water training.
“I have learned to better understand the principals of water safety through this training,” said Brent Lamb, who works for Cherokee Nation EMS. “It has also given me the skills to be able to react quickly in water emergency situations where a victim’s life may be at risk.”
Jody Moore, fire fighter for the Muskogee Fire Department and 13 other members from the Muskogee Fire Department took this course in order to become more proficient in swiftwater rescue techniques.
“We have all learned a vast amount of knowledge in these last three days on water safety,” said Moore. “With all of the rivers, local creeks and low-lying areas where flash flooding can occur, it is good to know the correct procedures to rescue a victim more quickly.”
Members of the Tulsa Fire Department, Muskogee Fire Department, Illinois River Fire Department, Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife, and the Cherokee Nation EMS all partook in this training.
Swiftwater Rescue Technician Training is taught twice a year through Cherokee Nation EMS at a fee of $200, which includes textbook, certification and badge.
For more information on the next training, contact Bill Humphrey, instructor specialist for Cherokee Nation EMS, phone: 918-458-5403.
| Related contact information: |
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Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation |