Ice Water Rescue

Vertical Circulation

The process of cold water sinking and warm water rising from the bottom to replace it. (Cold water sinks, warm water rises)

Isothermic

When water throughout the body of water reaches the same temperature and vertical circulation stops.

Thermocline

In a body of water, there is a thin yet distinct layer in which the water temperature changes rapidly. This layer is called the thermocline and in an isothermic body of water it is the layer of water directly under the ice, ranging from 0 - 4 degrees C.

Frazil

The first type of ice to form.

What kind of ice is generally the strongest?

New ice formed during a long hard freeze. This ice is the strongest.

Snow Ice

An opaque or milky-looking, weak ice formed from the freezing of water soaked snow.

Candled Ice

Ice fingers in an ice surface that is disintegrated or rotting.

Layered Ice

Has a striped appearance. Formed from many layers of frozen and re-frozen snow.

Crack

A fracture in the ice, which has not separated.

What factors influence the strength of ice?

-Wind

-Snow

-Temperature

-Depth

-Wildlife (ducks and fish)

-Plants

-Pollution

-Fluctuating Water Levels

-Underwater obstructions

-Currents

-Sunlight

-Rotting Underwater Vegetation

-Age of the ice

-Rocks, logs, pilings

-Ice shifting

-Sun reflection off the bottom near shore

-Presences of water or slush

What is the ONLY absolute when dealing with ice?

No ice is safe ice.

Hypothermia

Loss of body heat resulting in a body temperature less than 37 degrees C (97 degrees F).

Torso Reflex

The extremities contract, leaving a higher percentage of blood in the torso. Usually occurs from prolonged exposure to the wet and cold.

Laryngospasm

Involuntary gasping that usually lasts 30 to 60 seconds. Occurs from sudden immersion in cold water.

Mammalian Dive Reflex

-Reduces the heart and respiration rate to a near undetectable level in children 3 years old and under.

-Victim may appear dead but still be viable.

How much faster does water conduct heat away from the body compared to air.

Water conducts heat from the body 25 times faster than air.

What are the signs and symptoms of mild hypothermia?

Core temperature at 36 - 34 degrees, shivering, numbness, clumsiness, pain, alert and able to help self.

What are the signs and symptoms of moderate hypothermia?

Core temperature of 34 - 32 degrees, shivering may decrease, increasing numbness, decreasing LOC, decreasing coordination, slurred speech, pale skin, blue lips.

What are the signs and symptoms of severe hypothermia?

Core temperature of 32 - 28 degrees, shivering stops, further decrease in LOC, decreasing coordination, decreased respiration and pulse rates.

What are the signs and symptoms of critical hypothermia?

Core temperature below 28 degrees, unresponsive, respiration and pulse difficult to detect, dilated pupils, body is rigid.

What is the basic treatment for hypothermia?

1. Remove victim from the source of cooling. ie Get them out of the water.

2. Handle the victim gently. Rough handling can increase movement of chilled blood from the extremities to the heart, causing a fatal dysrythmia or fibrillation.

3. Remove wet clothing.

4. Wrap in warm blankets.

5. Check ABCs

6. Supply warm humidified oxygen at 100% concentration.

7. Transport as soon as possible to a medical facility.

What are some ways to prevent hypothermia?

1. Leave all clothes on.

2. Wear your PFD.

3. HELP position.

4. Huddle position.

5. Remain calm

The contact with cold water triggers a series of body responses where the blood is shunted from the extremities and redistributed to these three organs:

Heart, lungs, and brain.

What factors affect a victim's chances of survival in a hypothermic situation?

Water temperature:

The colder the water, the lower the chance for survival.

Age:

The very young or very old will have reduced survival time as their body's metabolism is not as adaptable and they will lose heat faster.

Physical Size:

A large person with extra body fat may retain body

heat longer than a small thin person or a child.

Water type and purity:

Salt water causes more damage to the lungs and thus reduces chances of survival. Polluted water has

the same effect, causing secondary lung conditions

that are often fatal.

What is the scene evaluation and operational plan that provides for a successful rescue and minimizes danger?

1. Assess the victim's condition.

2. Assess the environmental conditions.

3. Assess the equipment available.

4. Assess the trained personnel available.

5. Follow the rescue sequence:

a) Talk (self help)

b) Reach

c) Throw

d) Row

e) Go

List the appropriate PPE for rescuers.

1. Exposure suit, dry suit, or immersion suit.

2. PFD

3. Layered clothing

4. Hand, foot, and head protection

5. Knife and whistle

1-10-1

In cold water you have 1 minute to get your breathing under control (laryngospasm), 10 minutes of meaningful motor skills and mental capabilities, and 1 hour of consciousness.

H.E.L.P.

Heat Escape Lessening Posture

LOC

Level of consciousness

Hot Zone

On the body of water. PFDs must be worn.

Warm Zone

At least the first 10 feet of shore away from the water's edge. PFDs must be worn.

Cold Zone

Beyond the warm zone, so at least 10 feet offshore. PFDs are not required.

General Ice Thickness Guidelines

- 1 inch = keep off

- 2 inches = one person (up to 200 lbs.)

- 3 inches = three cross country skiers (weight spread out over ski surface and moving smoothly).

- 4 inches = one ice fisherman (chopping hole weakens surrounding ice)

- 5 inches = one snowmobile

- 7 inches = group activities (skating)

- 8 inches = one automobile or several snowmobiles

- 10 inches = light truck

How long does it take to become hypothermic?

It generally takes 30 minutes or longer.

What are the top two causes of line of duty deaths in aquatic rescues?

1. Compassion for the victim.

2. Lack of risk assessment.

How do river and lake ice compare?

River ice is generally 10% - 15% weaker than lake ice.

What are the characteristics of a non-swimmer drowning victim?

- Head back, eyes wide open

- Vertical position in the water

- Arms in a climbing motion

What are the four major areas of heat loss?

1. Head

2. Sides

3. Groin

4. Legs

After Drop

After drop occurs when the body is removed from the cold environment and begins to warm, cooler blood from the extremities moves to the core, causing a further reduction of body temperature.

PLS

Point Last Seen

What are the roles in an ice water rescue crew?

1. Sector Officer / Incident Command / Rescue Lead

2. Primary Rescuer

3. Primary Backup

4. Secondary Rescuer

5. Secondary Backup

6. Safety Officer

7. Equipment Tender