Testing the ice shuttle

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Fire Department is testing a new piece of equipment designed for ice rescues.

The sled-like device known as an ice shuttle, was tested for durability and functionality, said Brett Bastian, assistant fire chief.

It is used to pull people to shore when they fall through ice on the frozen lake. The department received the shuttle last month and it is being put through a series of trials.

Bastian said when ice forms over the lake, animals can become stuck and when people go on the ice to rescue the animal, they can fall through. Another cause of an ice rescue is when snowmobilers ride on the frozen lake and fall in.

He said more testing is needed to determine how best to use the device and improve some shortcomings. One drawback is the horse collar-like device used for pulling. He said it is cumbersome.

Bastian said an advantage to the shuttle is the device spreads people's weight over a broader area, rather than putting too much pressure on a particular spot on the ice. The shuttle is a vast improvement over past winter rescue equipment, said Bastian.

"We've never had a true ice rescue capability," he said.