The International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists (IADRS) will host the 2003 International Water Rescue Conference on September 18 through 20 in Denver, Colorado.
The last Water Rescue conference in Cleveland, Ohio was a tremendous success with 147 attendees representing numerous teams from 19 states, Canada and Australia.
Organizers anticipate that this year’s conference in Denver will attract even more participants from around the world.
Here is a partial list of what is scheduled for the 2003 event.
Joe Finley with the FBI will speak on issues involving homeland security in proximity to our nation’s waterways.
Larry Trujillio, the Fire Chief for Denver Fire Department will discuss the importance of developing a positive relationship with the media.
Attorney Craig Jenni with Dive & Marine Consultants International will present two topics; Underwater Accident Investigation and Public Safety Diving and the Law. Craig has extensive background in investigating and litigating aquatic accidents and will present information that will benefit all divers who collect evidence!
Carol Christini (founder and president of Insurance Management Services) will talk about insurance and liability issues affecting water rescue and recovery teams. Carol’s company provides insurance to Dive Rescue International, Scuba Schools International and several other scuba certification agencies.
Fred Jackson, member of the Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department in Ohio, will speak on the latest national standards affecting public safety diving. Fred serves on the NFPA 1006 and 1670 committees and knows these standards inside and out, since he was one of the authors.
Wayne Polette, contributing author to "SEARCHLINES" and Captain of the Metro West Fire Protection District in St. Louis will speak on a subject he wrote about, Advantage Management. IADRS members who have read SEARCHLINES for years might recall some of the tips Wayne uses to guarantee success on operations!
Doctor Eric Olsen will speak about the latest recognition and treatment techniques for hyperbaric injuries and the importance of conducting Rapid Field Neuro Exams. (Did you all know that hyperbaric chambers are being used to treat drowning victims too? Did you know that D.A.N. reports that 2/3rds of decompression sickness is reported by divers who dive within the no-decompression limits?)
Amanda Terrell-Orr is affiliated with the El Paso County Sheriffs Office and serves as their Grant Coordinator. She will discuss dive team funding through Federal, State and local sources. For water rescue and recovery teams having difficulty getting the training and equipment they need, this will be a valuable program!
Vendors and manufacturers of water rescue and recovery equipment will also be in attendance as will many members and team leaders from the Nation’s most successful water rescue and underwater recovery & investigative dive teams.
Program and registration information is available through the International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists by calling 1-800-IADRS-911 (overseas callers should dial 1-970-482-1562).
Information is also available online at: http://www.iadrs.org
