Transcript 1 - Ice Rescue Introduction

NOVA SCOTIA GROUND SEARCH
AND RESCUE ASSOCIATION
Cold Water / Ice Rescue
Training Program
Course Outline
Introduction
Ice Rescue Process
Ice Formation
Hypothermia
Team Strategies & Equipment


Ice Rescue Equipment
Underwater Recovery
Self rescue
One Rescue-Carabineer
Rescue with rescue poles
Exam
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
12/84
12/84
02/86
12/86
12/88
01/90
01/90
03/91
F-6
M-6
M-12
M-67
M-38
M-51
M-30
M-47
M-22
First Lake Sackville
First Lake Sackville
Big Pond
Liverpool
Pugwash
Lunenburg Co.
Seal Cove
Seal Cove
Glace Bay
1984 - 1995 Fatalities in Nova Scotia.
Office of the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner
12/91
01/93
05/93
05/93
11/94
01/95
02/95
02/95
M-10
M-15
M-04
M-79
M-49
M-32
M-22
M-72
Timberlea
Cole Harbor
Argyle Head
Ladle Lake
Lizard lake
Jim Horne Lake
West River
Lake Charlotte
01/97
M-46
Nine Mile River
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.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Evaluate scene conditions.
Evaluate victim’s condition.
Assess personnel and equipment.
Develop an operational plan.
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
Witnesses
Ask 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.
Clear Lake Ice
Frazil 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
2
T
P= Safe load in pounds
T= 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)
5 inches (12.7cm)
A group walking
One person fishing
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 Considerations
No 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 Care
DO
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 Care
Improper 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’ Age
Submersion time
Water temperature
Victims’ Struggle
Injuries or Illness
Quality of Basic Life Support
Cleanliness 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:
Mustang Suit:
Wet Suit:
Dry Suit:
10 - 15 mins
30 mins
60 mins
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 team
ALS medical team
Fire Service
Law Enforcement
Coast Guard
Military
Equipment
Equipment should be evaluated by the
following criteria:
Safety
Effectiveness
Ease of use
Durability
Availablility
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 bags
Line throwing guns
Flotation buoys
Operational Considerations
for Ice Rescue
Always Use the S.A.N.E. approach
S
A
N
E
simple, step by step
always have adequate backup
never take chances
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. Reach
3. 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 (SelfRescue).
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.
2.
3.
4.
Swim to the edge of good ice.
Put your forearms on the ice.
Get your body horizontal.
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 bags
Line guns
Flotation buoys
Life 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.
Summary
Keep 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.