Cold Water / Ice Rescue Training Program

Cold Water / Ice Rescue Training Program

NOVA SCOTIA GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE ASSOCIATION

Course OutlineIntroductionIce Rescue ProcessIce FormationHypothermiaTeam Strategies & Equipment

Ice Rescue Equipment Underwater Recovery

Self rescueOne Rescue-CarabineerRescue with rescue polesExam

Introduction

There are over 6700 lakes and more than 8000 kilometers of coastline in Nova Scotia as well as an abundance of ponds,rivers, and other waterways.

The potential for individuals to come in contact with waters which become ice covered during the winter months is particularly high.

1984 - 1995 Fatalities in Nova Scotia.Office of the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner

12/84 F-6 First Lake Sackville12/84 M-6 First Lake Sackville12/84 M-12 Big Pond02/86 M-67 Liverpool12/86 M-38 Pugwash12/88 M-51 Lunenburg Co. 01/90 M-30 Seal Cove 01/90 M-47 Seal Cove 03/91 M-22 Glace Bay

12/91 M-10 Timberlea01/93 M-15 Cole Harbor05/93 M-04 Argyle Head05/93 M-79 Ladle Lake11/94 M-49 Lizard lake01/95 M-32 Jim Horne Lake02/95 M-22 West River02/95 M-72 Lake Charlotte01/97 M-46 Nine Mile River

1984 - 1995 Fatalities in Nova Scotia.Office of the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner

Introduction

The knowledge and skills achieved through this ice rescue program require regular review and practice.

It is strongly recommended to review and practice your skills before the start of the ice rescue season.

Introduction (Cont’d )There are seven principles which must be well

understood to ensure that rescue attempts do not spell

FAILURE!!!!!

Failure

Failure to understand ice characteristics.

Failure

Additional medical considerations due to cold water.

Failure

Inadequate training in rescue techniques.

Failure

Lack of team work.

Failure

Underestimating the logistics involved.

Failure

Rescue and recovery approached without distinction.

Failure

Equipment not mastered.

Basic Ice Rescue Training

Ice Rescue Process

Ice Rescue Principles

Emergency services who train their members can minimize the risk and create more positive benefits for their agency such as:Increased safety for rescuers.Greater chance of successful rescue.Better public relations within their community.Decreased liability.

Ice Rescue Principles

A good knowledge and understanding of the conditions specific to ice rescue make the critical difference in a rescue attempt.

Trained rescuers can save more victims in a manner that reduces the risk of them becoming a victim themselves.

Ice Rescue Process

Successful ice rescues are based on a recognized logical process inherent to any rescue operation.

There are five basic steps.

Ice Rescue Process Steps

1. Evaluate scene conditions.2. Evaluate victim’s condition.3. Assess personnel and equipment.4. Develop an operational plan.5. Continual evaluation of the rescue

process.

Evaluate Scene Conditions (Step 1)

Proper scene evaluation is critical to any rescue operation.

“SIZE UP” begins the moment you hear the crack or splash and a team member is in.

Step 1 - Evaluate Scene Conditions

Environmental Conditions

Temperature, wind, rain and ice conditions can influence operational decisions during a rescue.

Knowledge of ice conditions and strength can help the rescuers choose the safest plan for rescue.

Step 1 - Evaluate Scene Conditions

Location and Condition of Victim

The victim’s location is essential to accessing the victim as well as determining their condition.

When a victim is within sight of shore the rescue team can determine, by observation, the stage of hypothermia.

This can help you choose the appropriate equipment and resources to do the rescue.

Step 1 - Evaluate Scene Conditions

Location and Condition of Victim

A victim who has slipped beneath the ice or water creates a more difficult situation.

The point on the ice or in the water where the victim was last seen (Last Seen Point) becomes crucial and must be preserved once it has been determined.

This information is crucial for the R.C.M.P dive team, for them to deploy their team effectively.

Step 1 - Evaluate Scene Conditions

Contact With Bystanders or WitnessesAsk the following questions:

How long victim has been in the water?What were the circumstances of the accident?What was the last seen point?

Evaluation of Victim’s Condition(STEP 2)

Many rescue techniques rely on the victim’s ability to grasp and hold onto an object with their hands.

The rescuer’s ability to determine if the victim can aid in the rescue will help dictate which rescue technique will be used.

Assess Personnel and Equipment (Step 3)

A well trained team will be able to operate much more efficiently, using techniques that are the safest and most current for the rescue at hand.

Assess Personnel and Equipment (Step 3)

Equipment must be evaluated in terms of safety and availability.

Never count on just one piece of equipment being the perfect tool.

Try to ensure that there is an assortment of equipment at the scene.

Operational Plan Development(Step 4)

Rescuers must utilize the best techniques based on the situation at hand.

To accomplish this they must have an operational plan. The best plans are simple and flexible. Always have plan

“B” ready just in case the original plan does not accomplish the goal.

Operational Plan Development(Step 4)

While making the assessments which leads to an operational plan, the incident commander must conduct a risk/benefit analysis.This is a “must do” for every rescue operation.

Never risk the life of a rescuer to try to save that which cannot be saved!

Continual Evaluation of the Rescue Process (Step 5)

Conditions during a rescue never remain static. They can change at any moment.

Constantly check what’s happening against your goal.

The incident commander and team members must be able to adapt to any changes that occur.

REMEMBER!!!!

Ultimately each rescuer is responsible for their own safety and have the right to say

“NO GO”

Basic Ice Rescue Training

Ice Formation

Ice Formation

Most people have little knowledge of ice formation.As a result, we may be called upon to perform an

Ice Rescue.Ice formation information will help us to decide on

safest techniques to use to conduct a safe and successful rescue.

What happens as water temperature drops?

Vertical circulation continues until water is isothermal at 4 degrees Celsius.

As water drops below 4 degrees it loses density and remains at the surface.

Ice expands 9% when freezing and becomes less dense than the water below it.

As ice forms, a thermocline develops right below it (0 to 4 degrees).

As Ice Forms...

Depth of water and the weather conditions determine depth of thermocline.

The water below the thermocline remains isothermal. (same temperature throughout)

Vertical Circulation

Thermocline

Types of Ice Fresh water ice is all the same...isn’t it?

No, there are different types of ice formations.

Frazil Ice

Frazil Ice is the first ice formed. This looks like disk shaped ice crystals that form a thin film which floats on the surface of the water.

When frazil ice forms in water with movement it clumps together forming pancake ice.

Frazil Ice

Clear Lake Ice

Frazil Slush

Is ice which forms in water that has too fast a current to allow solid freezing.

Pancake Ice

Is circular free floating ice 30-300 centimeters in diameter. It is flat with raised edges due to pieces bumping together.

Pancake Ice

Clear Ice

Is newly formed ice which is transparent. It is formed by long periods of below freezing

temperatures.Its’ color is due to the color of water below

reflecting through the ice.

This is the strongest type of ice.

Clear Lake Ice

Snow Ice

Is formed when water saturated snow freezes on an ice sheet.

Appears opaque or milky, has a low density, is porous.

Considered very weak ice.

Candle Ice

Is ice that is breaking down due to melting conditions.

Has an appearance that resembles candles bundled together.

Is most often found during late winter/early spring conditions.

Anchor Ice

Forms around submerged objects such as rocks, docks or shallow river bottoms.

Can release as the object warms from the sun’s radiant heat.

Can cause jams or navigational hazards.

Floe Ice

Is free floating ice chunks 3 feet or wider.

Pack Ice

Is formed by floe ice piling up and freezing together due to wind or current.

Can have weak spots where the floes freeze together.

Layered Ice

Is formed by different types of ice and snow freezing and re-freezing.

It has a layered or, striped appearance.

Brackish Ice

Is ice that forms in coastal rivers and estuaries that have a salt concentration between that of salt and fresh water.

Brackish ice formation takes longer due to a lower freezing point of the salt water.

Brackish ice is 50% weaker than clear lake ice.

Ice Strength

Ice strength cannot be determined by look.Make a quick evaluation of strength at the scene, but

don’t waste time studying the ice.Assume all ice at scene not safe.Understanding factors will allow rescuers to go

safely.

Contributing Factors for Ice Strength

• Ice thickness• Do not base ice safety on ice thickness alone!

• Wind• Water• Snow• Slush

Contributing Factors for Ice Strength

• Air temperature• Water Body Depth and Size• Current

• River ice is approximately 15% weaker than lake ice!

• Chemistry• Water Level

Contributing Factors for Ice Strength

• Obstructions• Inlets and Springs• Wildlife

Current can weaken ice.

Ice thickness may be affected by water depth, current or wind.

Where is it safe??

Where is it safe??

Ice Safety

Ice Safety

The only absolute in ice safety is to stay off of the ice!

i.e. - The only absolute in woods safety is to out of the woods….!

never drive a car – live in bubble… etc

Relative Strength of Ice

P = 50 T2

P= Safe load in poundsT= Thickness of clear ice in inches.Note: This guide line applies to clear solid lake ice with no

other strength reducing factors and is used to calculate short term loads in motion.

Formula Factors to Add

For river or brackish ice double the required number of inches. River ice is only 85% as strong as lake ice & salt water ice is only 50% as strong.

If water is trapped between layers of ice, calculate only the thickness of the top or outer layer to determine strength.

Remember

Ice requires constant cold temperatures to support its maximum load. Sudden rises in temperature will weaken ice.

If the temperature falls suddenly to its original point the ice will re-freeze but not necessarily to its original strength.

Maximum Load Table

Ice Thickness Maximum Load

2 inches (5cm) One person walking

4 inches (10cm) A group walking One person fishing

5 inches (12.7cm) A snowmobile

8 inches (20.3cm) A car

10-12 inches (25.5-30.5cm) A light truck

Preventative Strategies

Rescue teams should preplan potential hazard sites during open water season & map all pertinent facts.

Areas of importance include; inlets, outlets, large obstructions, dams, intakes or outlets from industrial plants & access points to the shore.

Check with local conservation officials for any known problem areas.

Basic Ice Rescue Training

Hypothermia

Torso Reflex “Cold Shock”

Torso Reflex, or inhalation response – “uncontrollable gasping” is an automatic physiological reaction resulting from sudden immersion into cold water. It will occur within 30 seconds and can be subsided within 3 minutes.

Prevention of Torso Reflex

To prevent torso reflex, the rescuer should ALWAYS cover their nose and mouth with their hands as they fall into cold water.

The rescuer should also enter backwards if at all possible.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a condition which occurs when the temperature of the core of the body falls below 35 degrees Celsius.

Hypothermia

During an ice rescue operation the rescuers must be capable of recognizing the signs of hypothermia in the victim and in other rescuers.

Hypothermia will affect the victims’ ability to respond and/or assist with their own rescue.

Stages of Hypothermia

The body passes through distinct stages as hypothermia affects the body.

The rescuer must be able to recognize these stages so that they can determine what the victim is cable of doing towards self rescue.

A victim in moderate hypothermia would be unable to grasp and hold onto a rope that is thrown to them.

Mild Hypothermia

Body Core Temperature: above 95°F (35°c).Symptoms: conscious, alert, shivering vigorously &

breathing fast.Capacities of Victim: frightened but coherent, able

to understand instructions and able to reach for help and hold on.

Moderate Hypothermia

Body Core Temperature: 90 to 95°F (32 to 35°c).Symptoms: confusion, shivering and pupils

beginning to dilate.Capacities of Victim: confusion; may see the need

to reach for help but be unable to do so.

Severe Hypothermia

Body Core Temperature: 86 to 90°F (30 to 32°c).

Symptoms: no shivering, rigid muscles, pupils dilated, appears drugged or drunk.

Capacities of Victim: will not respond to instructions, has no control of movements, barely conscious or unconscious.

Severe Hypothermia

When the core temperature falls below 86°F (30°c), the victim may exhibit an unconscious stare, greatly diminished breathing, be stiff all over and resemble a dead person.

Patient ConsiderationsNo matter which stage of hypothermia the victim is in, the

key is to handle them as quickly and gently as possible.Do not waste time; seconds count.Prevent the victim from expending any energy during the

rescue and once on shore.The victim must conserve energy to prevent the

hypothermia from worsening.

Victim CareDO

Handle the victim gently.Remove wet clothing.Dry the victim quickly.Wrap the victim in insulating materials such as blankets for protection from the elements.Keep equipment warm and dry.

Victim Care

DO NOT Rub or massage the extremities. Give alcohol or other stimulants. Apply external heat sources directly

to the skin. Allow smoking.

Victim CareImproper handling and treatment could result in a condition

known as afterdrop. Afterdrop occurs when cold blood rushes from the

extremities back to the victim’s heart, lungs and brain causing a secondary cooling of these organs.

Cold Water Near Drowning

Near Drowning is defined as survival, at least temporarily (24 hours), from near-suffocation due to submersion.

“Cold” water is water that is less than 21°c.

Near Drowning

These principles apply to any near drowning, not just those in cold water.

The difference between warm and cold water is that in long submersions (greater then 6 minutes), the chance for survival in warm water is much less than cold water.

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

Near Drowning Treatment

Anyone submerged long enough to be unconscious and/or require CPR should be resuscitated.

If you do not know how long the person has been under the water, attempt resuscitation.

There is no difference between freshwater and salt water near drowning in regard to first responder care.

Near Drowning Treatment

CPR must be started immediately.Treat for Hypothermia.Assess carefully for associated injuries.

Factors Affecting Survivability

Victims’ AgeSubmersion timeWater temperatureVictims’ StruggleInjuries or IllnessQuality of Basic Life SupportCleanliness of the Water

Victims’ Age

The younger the victim the greater the chance of survival.

Submersion Time

The shorter the time under the water the better the chances.

Times of less then one hour (?) are considered more favorable.

Water Temperature

The colder the water the better.Any water less then 21°c (70°F) is considered cold

water near drowning.

Victims’ Struggle

Victims who do not struggle as they drown burn up less oxygen & energy reserves and are more

likely to survive.

Injuries & Illness

Any trauma will lower the survivability.

Quality of Basic Life Support

Improperly performed CPR decreases the chance of resuscitation.

Cleanliness of the Water

Sediment & pollution in the water will result in complication to the lungs and decrease the likelihood of survival.

Survival Time in 0°c

PFD: 10 - 15 mins

Mustang Suit: 30 mins

Wet Suit: 60 minsDry Suit: Several Hours (depending on the

amount of clothing worn underneath)

Ice rescue Suit: Several Hours

Basic Ice Rescue Training

Team Strategies & Equipment

Response Plan Review

Every SAR team should have a response plan that includes procedures for calling in other resources such as a dive team. (recovery)

A safety session should be conducted annually during the ice rescue season.

The review should look at the teams level of preparedness and cover the following key points.

Personnel

The majority of rescues can be accomplished with a few well trained, properly equipped rescuers.

Personnel who lack proper or up to date training will limit the ability of the team to conduct efficient, successful rescues.

Additional Resources

These may include:Dive rescue teamALS medical teamFire ServiceLaw EnforcementCoast GuardMilitary

Equipment

Equipment should be evaluated by the following criteria:SafetyEffectivenessEase of useDurabilityAvailablility

Ropes

Water rescue ropes of at least 3/8 inch – 2000 lbs or greater tensile strength.

Bright visible color.Floating.The rope that we use is 3/8 spectra rescue line,

16.9 feet per pound, 4400lbs breaking strength.

Carabiners

Assorted aluminum locking and non- locking.Ice Rescue carabiners.

Personal Equipment

Ice Picks , Crampons, Knives etc..

Throw Devices

Water rescue throw bagsLine throwing gunsFlotation buoys

Operational Considerationsfor Ice Rescue

Always Use the S.A.N.E. approach

S simple, step by stepA always have adequate backupN never take chancesE eliminate the “beat the ice” attitude

While on a search…..

Your fellow searcher goes through the ice into the water.

Upon arrival you must immediately re-evaluate conditions and decide on a rescue technique:1. Self-Rescue 2. Reach3. Throw 4. Go

The following action must be taken!

Establish a “victim contact”.Appoint one person to keep in constant

communication with the victim.Try to talk the victim out of the water (Self-Rescue).Call for additional resources.If the situation allows it, the incident commander

should summon any agencies or special teams needed.

Remember!

The rescuers chosen to go out on the ice should always have the final decision as to whether they go or not!

Never force a rescuer into a situation that they are uncomfortable with!

Ice Rescue Hand Signals

1. Tapping your head means “GO”

2. Arm Straight in the air “STOP”

Never tether the rescuer to their back.

Self Rescue

All rescuers must be skilled at saving themselves before attempting a rescue.

Victims may be talked through a self rescue.Ice awls and proper technique essential.

Self Rescue Technique

1. Swim to the edge of good ice.2. Put your forearms on the ice.3. Get your body horizontal.4. Use “frog like” kicks to push yourself out.

Self Rescue Technique

You should lift with your arms but only straight up, this will help you get over the edge as you kick.

Don’t try to pull your self out with your arms they will only slip off.

The idea is to keep yourself low and use the frog kick to push yourself onto the ice.

Reach

This simple technique is used when the victim is close to shore.

Devices available include:Pike poles.Ladders.Tree Limbs.Clothing.

Throw

Commonly used equipment includes:Water rescue throw bagsLine gunsFlotation buoysLife rings

Go

Extreme caution must be exercised as this plan places the rescuer at the greatest personal risk.

With this type of rescue the rescuer must direct physical contact with the victim.

Go

For maximum safety the rescuer requires the following equipment.Proper thermal protection.Flotation.Safety line.

One Rescuer- Carabiner

Dress in layers with safety line.When moving across ice keep low.When approaching victim use a roll technique and hold the tethered line above head to avoid entanglement.

One Rescuer- Carabiner

Attach line to victim by using carabineer and loop in line.Once hook up is complete the rescuer gives the O.K. signal by placing hand on head.Rescuer and victim are pulled back to shore.

Underwater Recovery

When people slip under the ice it makes it very difficult to retrieve them. The following points must be followed to make the job a little easier:All personnel in the boat must wear P.F.D’s.Make sure that the “last seen point” is marked.Watch any current; tend to work down current.

Underwater Recovery

Move boat in in a grid pattern so that under the boat the bottom is searched.Make sure that the RCMP or an ice dive team is responding to the scene.

Underwater Recovery

A sunken human body usually will be within a distance not more than 1 1/2 times the depth of the water.Example: If the water is 20’ (6m) deep, a body should be no more than about 30’ (9m) from the last seen point.

SummaryKeep the rescue as simple as possible.Don’t give up if they slip below the ice, remember people have lasted for extended times frames under cold water.Remember your safety.Treat the victim as quickly and gently as possible.And remember: don’t spell FAILURE.