The province has announced an aerial rescue team will be on standby during the spring flood in Manitoba.
"We hope that all the preparations and advance notice to residents will mean we won't need to deploy this lifesaving rescue team, but at the same time we want to be ready just in case," said Premier Greg Selinger in a media release.
The Office of the Fire Commissioner has set up specialized training for four of its rescue staff members, along with four City of Winnipeg fire paramedics.
"Now you can just land right where the person is and scoop them off to safety," said Manitoba Fire Commissioner Chris Jones.
He has assisted on several search and rescue operations and said that in an emergency situation, every second counts, especially when dealing with fast-moving water.
In 2009, search and rescue crews did not have an aerial team to reach 24 cottagers stranded in Breezy Point when blocks of ice crashed onto shore and crews had to use other means.
"It was done on the ice flows, in the water, in the boats (using) the Zodiac boats, laddering people off of the roofs, trying to get into places, fighting the currents, fighting the ice jams," said Kevin Popowich, who is now a member of the aerial rescue team.
The eight-member team will continue with regular duties during the flood, but members will rotate through being on call for aerial rescues, said the province.
The province said this team can be used throughout the year to assist in ground searches, building collapses, even situations where hazardous materials are involved.
A heavy-lift helicopter will also be available for use by the Office of the Fire Commissioner.
- with a report from CTV's Caroline Barghout
