February 2025

As temperatures drop and ice forms over water, the season for ice rescue begins. These operations are inherently dangerous, and one of the greatest hazards to both civilians and firefighters is the unpredictability of ice strength and stability. Ice rescues are dynamic and require fire departments to remain adaptable and prepared for rapid decision-making.

If you’ve trained in ice rescue, you’re likely familiar with a rescue progression along the lines of: Talk-Reach-Throw-Go. The first three steps involve shore-based techniques where rescuers remain on land while assisting the victim, minimizing risk. However, when progressing to the "Go" phase, rescuers must leave the shore and engage directly with the victim, increasing the level of risk. While fire departments should follow this sequence when possible, ice rescues are highly time-sensitive. If the victim is clinging to the ice edge, appears incoherent, or is unresponsive to instructions, hypothermia may have already impaired their ability to assist in their rescue. In such cases, the Go Method should be initiated immediately to maximize the chances of a successful outcome. In this article, we’ll examine a method specifically suited for rescuing victims who are clinging to the edge of the ice and unable to participate in their rescue.

Because it is the equipment I am familiar with, this article focuses on the use of the MARSARS Cold Water Rescue Sling to efficiently and effectively extract a victim hanging onto the edge of the ice. Please understand this is not an endorsement or sales pitch for the product, as I have no affiliation with the company. With that said, let’s begin by looking at the specs of the MARSARS Cold Water Rescue Sling. This rescue flotation device is specially designed for cold water rescue. It features polyethylene foam for buoyancy, measures 33-inches in length, and has a 6,600-pound-rated strap with a freeze-free, non-locking carabiner attached. It also includes adult and child sizing markers and a non-cinching Velcro strap for secure attachment.

The ice rescue rope bags that I am familiar with are equipped with 200 feet of rope and two large carabiners. The first carabiner is attached to the working end of the rope using a figure-eight knot on a bight, while the second is placed roughly 6 feet back using an inline figure-eight knot. When preparing for a rescue, the carabiner at the end of the rope is secured to the rescuer's Mustang Ice Commander Rescue Suit, and the carabiner 6 feet back is attached to the rescue sling. The rescue sling is then carried by the rescuer over their head and dominant arm — over the right arm for right-handed rescuers. This arrangement allows for quick and efficient placement of the rescue sling onto the victim once they are reached while the carabiner setup ensures that the haul team pulls the victim first during extraction. 

When approaching the victim, the rescuer should grab the victim’s arm on the same side as the sling placement, such as the right arm if the sling is on the rescuer's right side. This alignment simplifies the process of sliding the sling over the victim’s head and positioning it securely under their armpits. The non-cinching Velcro strap is then tightened to ensure the sling is snug around the victim. At this point, the rescuer needs to decide whether they will be able to extract the victim from on top of the ice or if entering the water is necessary to help the victim out.

If the rescuer decides to stay on the ice, they should position themselves off to one side of the victim. This will allow the rescuer to assist with the pull by grabbing onto the water sling’s strap. Additionally, the rescuer will want to instruct the victim to grab the front of the sling and kick their feet once the pull begins, if they are capable. Once ready, the haul team is signaled to begin pulling while the rescuer simultaneously pulls on the sling and guides the victim onto the ice. 

If the rescuer needs to enter the water, they should instruct the victim to hold onto the front of the sling and position themselves to one side of the victim—typically the victim's left side if the rescuer is right-handed. Entering the water in a controlled manner, the rescuer positions the victim’s shoulder against their chest. From this position, the rescuer will use their dominant hand to lift from the crotch of the victim and guide the victim over the ice edge. Once in position, the haul team is signaled to pull while the rescuer assists in the extraction.

Ice rescues are dynamic and demand fire departments to stay adaptable and prepared for rapid decision-making. This article is not an all-encompassing guide to ice rescue, it simply outlines one specific technique applicable for a victim hanging on the edge of the ice. When training with your department, practice a variety of scenarios, evaluate what works and what doesn’t, and refine your approach to ensure you're ready for whatever challenges your team encounters. 

Training Objectives:

• Equipment Use: Ensure all team members can correctly rig and deploy the MARSARS Cold Water Rescue Sling, including attaching carabiners and positioning the sling on a victim.

• Victim Handling: Practice approaching, securing, and packaging a victim on the ice.

• Victim Extraction: Practice pulling the victim from the water onto the ice, both from an in-water position and while remaining on the ice.