ASTM_F_1765_-_97a_2014.pdf

Designation:F176597a(Reapproved 2014)Standard Guide forIce Staff Self-Rescue Technique1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1765;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This guide describes the self-rescue technique on iceutilizing an ice staff.1.2 This guide is one in a series of self-rescue techniques forthe ice rescuer.1.3 Individuals who will operate in the cold water or icerescue setting need to be aware of the equipment and physicalrequirements necessary to be able to perform all identifiedobjectives and necessary skills in the setting.2.Terminology2.1 Definitions:2.1.1 drysuit,na protective suit that encompasses thewearer,prohibiting water from entering;a dry suit provides nobuoyancy or thermal protection without insulative undergar-ments.2.1.2 ice awl,na device,consisting of a sharp spike witha handle used for rescue on ice.2.1.3 ice staff,na stick,pole,or rod with a sharp spike inone end used to traverse on ice or rescue on ice.2.1.4 immersion suit,ndesigned to provide cold waterprotection and buoyancy by one person in cold water emer-gencies.2.1.4.1 DiscussionThese devices should conform to stan-dards set by the appropriate national regulatory authority,thatis,the U.S.Coast Guard in the United States.2.1.5 personal flotation device(PFD),n a buoyant devicesuitable for use by one person in water emergencies.2.1.5.1 DiscussionThese devices should conform to stan-dards set by the appropriate national regulatory authority,thatis,the U.S.Coast Guard in the United States.3.Significance and Use3.1 This guide establishes a recommended procedure forutilizing an ice staff as a self-rescue technique on ice.3.2 All persons who are identified as ice rescuers shall meetthe requirements of this guide.3.3 This guide will assist government agencies;state,local,or regional organizations;fire departments,rescue teams andothers who are responsible for establishing a minimum perfor-mance for personnel who respond to ice emergencies.3.4 This guide is not intended to be used in isolation,but asa component guide acknowledging many skills and techniquesneeded to respond at a cold water and ice emergency.3.5 An ice rescuer shall be wearing an immersion suit,drysuit with PFD,or equivalent cold water protection andbuoyancy to perform these rescues.3.6 An ice rescuer shall carry a set of ice awls along with theice staff as a backup technique.4.Procedure4.1 The ice rescuer should grasp the ice staff firmly near thespiked end.4.2 Extend the staff in a downward slanting position tappingin a semicircle to test the ice.4.3 Listen for a clear,hard resonating sound indicating goodice.4.4 Move slowly onto the area of ice that has been tested.4.5 Continue to traverse by sliding steps to lessen the impactof the footsteps while distributing body weight as evenly aspossible.4.6 When moving,continue listening for the clear,hardresonant sound;however,a dull sound or thud may indicateweaker ice.4.7 The rescuer should use the spiked end of the staff to testthose areas of ice by jabbing at the surface.If the ice breaksaway or is deteriorative,select another path.4.8 If the ice begins to break,lie down and roll to safety.4.9 If the rescuer becomes immersed,cover the mouth andnose to prevent aspiration.4.10 While immersed,remain calm and use the staff hori-zontally to lift up and onto the ice,rolling to safety.1This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F32 on Search andRescue and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F32.02 on Management andOperations.Current edition approved March 1,2014.Published March 2014.Originallyapproved in 1997.Last previous edition approved in 2007 as F1765 97a(2007).DOI:10.1520/F1765-97AR14.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 4.11 The rescuer can utilize the staff while immersed in avertical position by allowing feet and legs to float to thesurface.4.12 While stabbing the spiked end into the ice,pull andflutter kick,sliding forward if ice conditions allow.4.13 If ice conditions do not allow,continue stabbing andkicking to reach stronger ice,then roll to safety.5.Keywords5.1 ice;ice rescue;ice rescuer;ice staff;water;water rescue;water rescuerASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentionedin this standard.Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights,and the riskof infringement of such rights,are entirely their own responsibility.This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years andif not revised,either reapproved or withdrawn.Your comments