OG 4032 Ice Rescue

Issued By: OPERATIONS (M. Smith)
Approved By: Fire Chief William H. Mosher     
Date of Issue: 2003/05/06
Revision Date: 2009/01/08; 2009/01/19

PURPOSE: 

This guideline defines:
•    The deployment of ice rescue equipment,
•    The training required for ice rescue,
•    The staffing required for ice rescue, and
•    The actions to be taken during an ice rescue response.

OBJECTIVE:

To ensure the safety and security of both Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency members and civilians. 

SCOPE:

This operating guideline applies to career and volunteer members of Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency.

PROCEDURE:

1) Deployment of Ice Rescue Equipment
District engines may be equipped with an operations level kit for water and ice rescue. This kit should consist of at least: two (2) personal floatation devices (PFDs) ; Two (2) helmets; and one (1) rope throw bag.

Some stations may be equipped for ice rescue at the Technician Level. These stations will have the specialized equipment and training required to go out onto the ice and attempt a rescue. The kit shall contain the following equipment:

•    Ice Commander Suite (with light, ice awls, knife and a non-locking carabineer)
•    Ice Rescue Helmet
•    Nonslip soles 
•    Ice awls (for casualty)
•    Floating Marker Buoy
•    Rescue Sling
•    Zipper lubricant
•    Rope, 3/8" polyprop. with reel (approximately 1000') 
•    Rope throw bag
•    Kit bag

2) Training Required for Ice Rescue
Training for ice rescue is available from on-shift trainers and/or the Training Division. All training is conducted in accordance with the Training Division approved ice rescue training package. This training complies with NFPA 1670, “Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Rescue Incidents”.

Operations Level:
Wherever possible, all firefighters should be trained at least to the Operations Level.
Operations Level training allows firefighters to implement shore-based rescue procedures, control the scene and call for additional required resources. Operations Level rescuers must not go on the ice.

Technician Level:
Firefighters assigned to a station tasked with ice rescue should be trained to the Technician Level. Technician level training allows firefighters to use specialized equipment to go onto the ice and attempt rescue.

Company Officers should schedule the appropriate level of training for their crews at least once every year. It is desirable to conduct this training in the late fall or early winter.

During ice rescue training or practice, safety shall be the first priority:

•    Designate a technician as safety officer,
•    Allow only personnel, who are dressed in an ice rescue suit and fastened to a lifeline onto the ice,
•    Ensure that any person in a boat or close to the water’s edge wears a PFD, and
•    Do not train near swift moving water.

3. Staffing Required for Ice Rescue
Any attempt to initiate an on-ice rescue requires at least three (3) personnel trained at the Technician level with a minimum of two (2) ice rescue technician kits on scene. Any attempt to conduct a “GO” rescue on ice must not begin until at least three (3) technicians are on scene. Two (2) technicians designated as on ice rescuers and a third as a Safety Officer.

The automatic response to any ice rescue emergency must include:
•    The nearest local district engine/ rescue unit,
•    The closest ice rescue technician level station(s),
•    EMS (Ambulance), and
•    Safety Officer.

The Incident Commander should request additional resources if needed.

4. Actions to Be Taken During an Ice Rescue Response

Operations Level Firefighters:

•    Establish the Incident Command System and scene control.
•    Assess conditions and hazards.
•    Determine location of the victim(s).
•    Interview witnesses and record information (locations, time, number of victims, etc...).
•    Identify available resources and ensure adequate response is on the way.
•    Identify and use necessary personal protective equipment and shore-based rescue equipment.
•    Develop a shore-based rescue plan.
•    Attempt to establish communication with the victim(s).
•    Assess the status of the victim.
•    Implement the shore-based rescue plan. Do not go on the ice.
•    Assist arriving Technician Level rescuers with shore operations and line tending.

Technician Level Firefighters:

•    Advise and coordinate operations with the Incident Commander.
•    Perform a risk to benefit analysis and make a “Go / No Go” decision.
•    Develop a plan of response, based on the victim status, the hazards and the available resources.
•    Implement the planned response. This may involve a rescue attempt on the ice, in the water or from a boat.
•    Coordinate operations with the responding dive team, if required.

Animals on the Ice:

Requests to help animals on the ice may require our response. The Fire Service may be requested to respond to situations where civilians may attempt rescue and thus become victims requiring our help.

•    Have Dispatch verify that HRM Animal Control/DNR will attend the scene.
•    Apparatus should respond “Code 3" to maximize safety.
•    On arrival, do a careful size up. Attempt retrieval only if it is safe to do so.
•    Use reaching tools, such as poles, ropes, and slings. Be aware that trying to grab an animal may result in serious bites, scratches or cuts.
•    Once it is out of the ice, treat the animal as gently as possible.

Treating the Victim:

Refer to Operating Guideline No. 6001 “Hypothermia and Cold Water Survival”.

RELATED POLICIES/ OPERATING GUIDELINES:

•    OG 6001 Hypothermia and Cold Water Survival

OPERATING GUIDELINE REVIEW:

This operating guideline shall be reviewed when/if there are changes/amendments to the procedure followed for an ice rescue.