5 steps to a safe ice rescue

Rescue Equipment Proper firefighter training, equipment, technique and awareness can reduce the dangers of ice rescues March 02, 2015 10:35 AM•Dalan Zartman This article was originally posted Mar. 2, 2015 and has been updated with new information. In water rescue, there is a universally accepted rescue sequence: Self rescue Reach Throw Row Go A “go” rescue is the point in which the rescuer physically goes after and retrieves the victim. Before committing to this decision, every rescuer should follow a checklist. Rescuers should be qualified and trained to perform the task they are preparing to undertake. Analyze the ice rescue environment To avoid getting too in-depth about swift water environments, we’ll focus on ice rescue on static or slow-moving current. I am a strong proponent of stating that a “go” rescue should never be performed on ice in which the water current is flowing greater than 1 knot without having some extraordinary conditions and precautions in place. This would incl...