March 15, 2004
The Kuskokwim River ice can be beautiful, but dangerous.
Ice Rescues
by John Dickens
It happens every winter--
People fall through the ice while attempting to cross an ice--covered body of water. They might be ice fishing or riding a snowmobile, ice-skating or taking a walk, but once they fall in they are in grave and mortal danger.
Often, the scene becomes a multiple-rescue problem as people try to reach the victim and also fall through the ice. The number one rule in ice rescue is to protect yourself. Make sure that you call for help; Fire Departments, VPSO's and Troopers have access to formal ice rescue training. A cold water submersion suit and personal floatation device must be worn during an ice rescue attempt.There are several ways in which you can reach a patient who has fallen through the ice--
Floatation devices can be thrown to the patient.
A rope in which a loop has been formed can be tossed to the patient. He or she can put the loop around his or her body so that they can be pulled onto the ice and away from the danger area.
A small, flat-bottomed aluminum boat is probably the best device for an ice rescue. It can be pushed stern (rear end) first by other rescuers and pulled to safety by a rope secured to the bow (front end). The primary rescuer will remain dry and safe should the ice break. The patient can be pulled from the water or allowed to grasp the side of the boat, although he may be unable to grasp or hold on for long.
A ladder is an effective tool often used in ice rescue. It can be laid flat and pushed to the patient, then pulled back by an attached rope. The ladder also can serve as a surface on which a rescuer can spread out his weight if he must go onto the ice to reach the patient. The ladder should have a line that can be secured by a rescuer in a safe position. Any rescuer on the ladder should have a safety line.
Remember that the patient may not be able to do much to help in the rescue process. Hypothermia will interfere with his mental and physical capabilities in a matter of minutes.
Whenever possible do not work alone when trying to perform an ice rescue. If you must work alone, do not walk out onto the ice. Never go onto ice that is rapidly breaking. Never enter the water through a hole in the ice in order to find a victim. Your best course of action will be to work with others, from a safe ice surface or the shore. When there is no other choice, you and your fellow rescuers can elect to form a human chain to reach the victim. However, this is not the safest method to use, even when all the rescuers are wearing personal floatation devices and using safety lines.
Always expect to find injuries to patients who have fallen through the ice. Treat for hypothermia according to local protocols and treat for any injuries.
As with any kind of trouble, prevention is the best cure. Travelers can consult with local Search and Rescue groups, other trail users, and Elders and get a good idea of where the open water is. Stay on the main trails and be alert for trail markings, like blue or red reflectors or little sticks in a line. Never ride a snowmobile without a headlight!
Always let someone you trust know where you are going and your estimated time of arrival. A VHF marine band radio and a GPS are good things to take with you all the time. Often, pilots can be a good resource on where open water is. If at all possible you should not ride or go on the ice alone.