Dangers of Ice

FACTS ABOUT THE DANGERS OF ICE

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS 100 PERCENT SAFE ICE.

Ice safety varies with several factors about the ice:

• How thick the ice is
• How much internal melting has taken place in the thick ice
• The thickness of the reformed surface
• The temperature, wind and sun strength
• The type of ice (grain structure) involved

WHAT IF A COMPANION FALLS THROUGH THE ICE?

• Keep calm and think out a solution
• DO NOT run up to the hole. You'll probably break through and then there will be two victims.
• Use an item to throw or extend to the victim
• If you cannot rescue, call 9-1-1
• Get medical attention after cold-water immersion

WHAT IF YOU FALL THROUGH THE ICE

• Try not to panic. Remain calm and turn towards the direction you came from.
• Place your hands and arms on unbroken surface of the ice.
• Work forward by kicking your feet. If the ice breaks, maintain a position and try again.
• Once out of the water, do not stand up. Roll away from the hole.

SYMPTOMS OF FROSTBITE:

• Initial uncomfortable sensations of coldness
• Tingling, stinging or aching feeling of exposed areas, followed by numbness
• Ears, fingers, toes, cheeks and noses are primarily affected areas.
• Frostbite appearance varies depending on whether re-warming has occurred or not

Caution: If you suspect frostbite, you should seek medical attention immediately.

SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHERMIA

• First symptom is shivering and inability to do complex motor functions
• Lethargy and mild confusion occur as the core body temperature is reduced to around 95 degrees F (35 degrees C).
• As body temperature continues to fall, the individual falls into a state of dazed consciousness, failing to complete even simple motor functions.
• Speech becomes slurred and behavior becomes irrational.

CAUTION: Handle hypothermic people very carefully because of the increased irritability of the heart. Seek medical assistance for persons suspected of being moderately to severely hypothermic.