Thursday, January 19, 2012 The members of United Communities and Kent Island Volunteer Fire Departments joined together for a drill on cold water and ice rescue. Now that we are into the part of the year when the water is the coldest and we are surrounded by water, it is important to be prepared in the event of an emergency. Body heat can be lost 25 times faster in cold water than in cold air. In water 40-50 degrees F, a person will only last 30-60 minutes until exhaustion or unconsciousness sets in. The expected time of survival is only 1-3 hours*. Getting to the victim quickly and safely is the most important part for their survival. 

Our department’s hold many drills during the day when it is easy to see what you are doing, but decided a drill at night would be the most productive to find limitations to our resources, and the need for any additional equipment in the event of a night emergency rescue. Our members practiced rope throwing, proper technique to get a victim to shore, and putting on the cold water rescue suit.
 
Remember to always wear your personal flotation device when you go out onto the water, it is almost impossible to put it on after falling into cold water. Never walk out on frozen ice; you cannot be sure how thick it is. Ice that is not clear and sound can be very dangerous, and ice on a body of water with a current below it is not reliable for stationary loads, the thickness can vary.
 
Proper equipment, training and team work is a must for a successful outcome. Please remember to be safe and smart.
 
*This is an average