In ice-rescue operations, lack of preparation conjures images of first responders with little or no protective equipment, feverishly running to a borrowed canoe or small boat in order to rescue a civilian clinging to the ice edge. The urgent need for action can override proper risk management and good judgment, prompting dangerous and poorly executed rescue attempts — and can result in rescuers becoming casualties.

But a department can prepare properly for ice-rescue operations by following five steps: pre-incident planning, public education, equipment procurement, training and effective incident management.

Read the entire story from FIRE CHIEF, our sister publication.