• Last Point Seen
• Interviews
• Water Temperature
• Tactics
• Equipment

Instructional Guide

1. Determining Last Point Seen
   1. Interview witnesses/survivors
   2. Create line of site markers using fixed objects
   3. Put diver in water to help witnesses mark last point seen (if victim was swimming)
   4. Put a boat in water to help witnesses mark last point seen (if a boat was involved)
2. Conducting Interviews
   1. Interview witnesses separately
   2. Ask witnesses to describe accident while at the point from which they observed the accident.
   3. How many people missing?
   4. Don’t forget the injured who made it to shore
3. Water Temperature and Time
   1. Cold water immersions
      1. If water temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, carry out rescue efforts for 90 minutes from the time of the 911 call.
   2. Warm water immersions
      1. If water temperature is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, carry out rescue efforts for 60 minutes from the time of the 911 call
   3. After these time frames, switch operations to recovery
4. Ice Formations and Characteristics
   1. The safest way to ensure personal safety is to stay off the ice
   2. Frazil ice – initial ice crystals
   3. Clear ice – strongest! Requires a long, hard freeze
   4. Snow ice – milky or opaque, weak
   5. Anchor ice – ice around obstructions
   6. Drift ice – floating ice
   7. Ice strengths – load capabilities based on thickness
      1. 1 inch = stay off!!
      2. 2 inches = one person
      3. 3 inches = three cross country skiers
      4. 4 inches = one ice fisherman
      5. 5 inches = one snowmobile
      6. 6 inches = ice boating
      7. 7 inches = group activities
      8. 8 inches = one automobile
      9. 9 inches = several snowmobiles
      10. 10+ inches = light truck
5. Tactical Considerations
   1. Reach
      1. Makeshift aids
      2. Pike pole
      3. Ladder
      4. Inflated hose
      5. Aerial apparatus
   2. Throw
      1. Rope throw bag
         1. Up to 60’ can be thrown, recovered and throw again
      2. Rescue disc
         1. Similar to throw bag
         2. Requires less skill to deploy
      3. Line gun
         1. Distances exceeding 60’ require line gun
      4. These methods depend on the victim’s ability to hold on. The effects of hypothermia and the added weight of wet clothing may prevent the victim from holding on or even following instructions.
   3. Row
      1. Often omitted by F.D. personnel do to unavailability
      2. Don’t overload vessel
      3. Use motorized craft if available
      4. Inflatable boats
   4. Go
      1. Used for all victims who are confused and can not assist themselves
      2. One man rescue
         1. Rescuer wears exposure suit with tether
         2. Keep low center of gravity if on ice
         3. Float on back if in water using hands to paddle
         4. During victim approach, roll while holding tether above your head
         5. Attach line to victim by reaching leash around victim and clipping into main line with non-locking carabiner
         6. Tap top of head to signal “OK” and to begin recovery
         7. Rescuer and victim are pulled back to shore together
6. Water/Ice Rescue Equipment
   1. Allow students to familiarize themselves with equipment available at the drill location
7. Practical Exercises
   1. Evolution #1 – 1 hour
      1. Arrange for time at a local pool in advance of the class
      2. Assign students in teams of three
      3. Anyone operating within 10’ of the water must wear a Coast Guard approved Type II or Type III personal floatation device
      4. Using an assortment of equipment appropriate for this exercise, allow the students to practice “reach” and “throw” techniques.
   2. Evolution #2 – 1 hour
      1. Arrange for time at a local pool in advance of the class
      2. Assign students in teams of three
      3. Anyone operating within 10’ of the water must wear a Coast Guard approved Type II or Type II personal floatation device
      4. Allow each student to don the exposure suit and participate in a victim rescue

Summary:

Lesson 1: Water and Ice Rescue Operations

Student Performance Objective (SPO):

Given information on water/ice rescue situations, the student will be able to identify, discuss and demonstrate the basic requirements for handling water and ice rescue emergencies. The student will meet the performance requirements for OPM 60.

Review/Main Points:

• Last Point Seen
• Interviews
• Water Temperature
• Tactics
• Equipment

Evaluation:

Oral Review:

Under each review point, recall and list three features from the discussion or list steps or safety features of each skill.

Other Evaluation:

The student will be evaluated through a skills proficiency checklist during the practical exercises.

Assignment: None

Copyright © 2002 Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute. All rights reserved.