With cold weather upon us, it’s a good idea to brush up on cold-weather/ice rescue tactics and techniques. FireRescue editorial board member Tom Pendley recently finished “The Essential Technical Rescue Field Operations Guide,” fourth edition. Here are just a few ice-rescue tips from his latest publication:
- Always wear proper PPE (e.g., ice rescue suits). Lack of proper thermal protection may result in rescuer death.
- During surface ice rescue, approach the victim with a sled or other buoyant flotation aide.
- Encourage the victim to grab the flotation aide, and attempt a non-entry rescue, but don’t expect the victim to assist in any way. Be fully prepared to enter the water.
- If swimming in open water, the rescuer should swim on their back and kick with fins while taking direction from the line tenders. As the rescuer approaches the ice, tenders should signal to the rescuer to turn over.
- When both rescuer and victim are in the water, the rescuer must reach down, grab the victim’s legs and lift with a strong kicking motion as the tenders pull the victim up onto the ice.
- Bring ice awls to help the rescuer climb out of the water and back up onto the ice.
- Once the victim has been retrieved, handle the victim gently to prevent further injury, and treat the victim appropriately for hypothermia.
- Review specific procedures, such as proper hand signals, prior to any ice rescue operation.
For a complete review of Tom’s latest field operations guide, visit: http://tinyurl.com/techrescueguide.