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.