Emergency service providers get new rescue tool

Decorah Fire Chief Mike Ashbacher shows off a "Rescue Disc."

The next time someone needs to be rescued while on ice or in the water, the Decorah Fire Department and other Winneshiek County fire departments will have a new aid.
 
Thanks to a grant application submitted by the Decorah Fire Department's Steve VandeBrink, area fire departments are getting "Rescue Discs."  The items—which look like two Frisbees joined together—include 100 feet of light rope in the middle that can be used to toss the disc to someone in trouble.  The discs will be put into every police care, every ambulance and every fire truck in Winneshiek County.
 
"I think it's going to be a big benefit," says Decorah Fire Chief Mike Ashbacher, who says the discs can be used to rescue someone or at least to keep the person safe until other rescue equipment arrives.