CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Cental Illinois firefighters were doing something a little different for a change at work this week. They took advantage of the cold weather to do ice rescue technician training.

Several fire departments including Champaign, Danville, Decatur and more took part. Crews felt it was the perfect time to get out there for this training after the freezing temperatures. The instructor of the program said even though emergencies like this doesn’t happen often, it’s still important to be prepared.

“One of the biggest things that we drive home with our participants is having the proper equipment and training to be able to perform these types of rescues,” said Lead Instructor and Owner of Muddy River Divers, Tyler Prater. “So, some of the techniques that they will learn is how to put on the equipment, how to pick the right equipment, and then using a variety of different techniques to help somebody get up and out of the ice.”

He said if you’re in a situation like this, remain calm, try to float and yell for help.