During the colder months, ice is a common sight in northern climates.The formation of ice allows for a variety of winter activities, such as ice fishing, playing hockey, and cross-country skiing.There is a risk of falling through the ice into extremely cold water if it is not thick.There are many challenges to overcome when in the water.It is possible to survive a fall through the ice, but it takes courage and knowledge.
Step 1: You have to brace yourself.
When you realize that you're falling through the ice and into the cold water, you need to consciously stop breathing if your head gets submerged.Immediate changes to your breathing and heart rate are caused by the shock of being in freezing water.If there are other people around, call for help.If you're underwater, your body's cold shock response, called the "torso reflex," will make you want to gasp for air, but you must avoid doing so.The initial shock wears off in a few minutes as your body acclimatizes to the cold.The initial cold shock can cause your body to lose heat more quickly than it produces it.Hypothermia can be triggered by a 4-degree drop in body temperature.
Step 2: As possible, keep calm.
The physical pain of being submerged in freezing water combined with all the changes in response to "cold shock" can easily lead to panic.Remaining calm and controlling your breathing will allow you to think better and come up with a plan to get out of the water.You are less likely to panic if you take deep and slow breaths after the shock.You don't have a lot of time, but there is more time than you think.Hypothermia occurs when your body temperature falls below 95F (30C), but it takes some time to get there.You will get more time if you keep your head above water and your body out of the water.Depending on a number of factors, it can take between 10 and 45 minutes to lose consciousness in cold water.Remove any heavy objects that are weighing you down, such as a backpack, fanny pack, or skis.This will make you less likely to drown.
Step 3: Get out immediately with your energy.
When you have calmed down and your head is above the water, you must focus on getting out as quickly as possible rather than waiting for help.If you want to keep your head above water, move your legs like you are riding a bike.As the other edges are sturdy enough to support you getting out, Orientate yourself and focus on getting back to where you fell in.If you stay in the water, you can shorten your survival time by 50%.Always look for contrasting colors underwater.The hole will appear darker if the ice is covered with snow.Muscular cooling or "swim failure" is the more immediate concern in most cases.Most people will have between three and five minutes before the cold water incapacitates their muscles and coordination, making it very difficult or impossible to swim and kick their legs.If you are with other people, yell loudly to let them know you've fallen in.They might be able to make an emergency call from their cellphone even if they aren't willing to help you.
Step 4: Kick your legs if you are horizontal.
Once you know where you're going to exit the water, swim towards it and grab onto the edge of the ice.Get as much of your body out of the water as possible.To prop yourself up, grab onto the top of the ice and use your forearms and elbows.If you want to propel yourself out of the water and onto the ice, you have to kick your legs as forcefully as possible.Wait a few seconds to let your clothes drain as much water as possible after you lift your upper body onto the ice.It will make it easier for you to get out of the water.If you can't get out of the water after about 10 minutes, you're almost certainly not going to be able to swim again, and you should not panic.If you can't get out on your own, move as little as possible and wait for help.If you want to conserve heat, cross your legs and try to keep your arms out of the water.
Step 5: Once you're out, take your body across the ice and away from where you fell in.
Resist the urge to run for the shore after you've propelled yourself out of the cold water because you may fall in again.If you want to roll your body toward thicker ice or hard ground, you should remain spread out on the ice.Roll away from the hole in the ice by several feet before attempting to stand up.It will likely hold your weight again if you trace your tracks back to shore or hard ground.It's always a good idea to stay off ice that is only 3 inches thick or less during warmer days.At least 4 inches of ice thickness is required for ice fishing, walking, or cross country skiing, whereas at least 5 inches is needed to support a snowmobile or ATV.
Step 6: Follow your footsteps back to safety.
Once you're out of the water, you only have a small part of your struggle for survival left.Once on safe footing, quickly retrace your footsteps or path back to shore and/or your vehicle or cabin so you can get warmed up.The cold shock will cause your leg muscles to not cooperate, so you may have to crawl or drag yourself.If there are people nearby, ask for help.They can help you get to a safe place, even if they don't have survival or emergency medical knowledge.Coldness, dizziness, hyperventilation, increased heart rate, slight confusion, clumsiness, and moderate fatigue are some of the initial signs and symptoms of hypothermia.More advanced confusion, poor decision making, lack of coordination, violent shivering, slurred speech, weak pulse, shallow breathing, and progressive loss of consciousness are some of the signs of severe hypothermia.
Step 7: Once you are inside, remove your wet clothes.
If you have dry clothes or a source of heat, taking off wet clothes is the fastest way to increase your core body temperature.Wrap yourself in dry clothes and blankets if you don't want an external source of heat to warm you up.If you can't get inside, you should look for an area that is sheltered from the wind or elements.Stand behind trees, rocks, or a snowdrift to protect yourself from the additional chill of the wind.Push-ups or basic calisthenics are a good way to warm up if you're only in the early stages of hypothermia and still feel like you have some excess energy.
Step 8: Get warmed up slowly.
You need to find dry replacements and a source of heat quickly, but not all at once.You may no longer feel cold with advanced hypothermia.Many patients feel numb.If you didn't bring a change of clothes, you should ask for more.Don't let the cold ground affect your body and feet.Sleeping bags, wool blankets, and space blankets help to conserve body heat.You will have to make a fire if you don't have a dwelling or vehicle.Before making a fire and collecting wood, make sure you're out of your wet clothing.If there are people nearby, get them to help.Bring your knees to your chest when you are in front of a heat source to conserve your body heat.In order to share body heat, huddle together in a tight circle facing each other.A warm, sweet beverage is what you should drink.The mug and liquid will warm your hands.Place heating pads or hot water bottles near major arteries if you are using them.Place a barrier between your skin and the heat source.Extreme heat can cause irregular heartbeats and a heart attack.It can take a few hours to increase your core body temperature.