4.1 This guide is to be used to expand the performance of water rescuers and improve the emergency response and patient care delivered to victims in the cold water and ice rescue environment.

4.2 All persons who are identified as ice rescuers shall meet the requirements of this guide.

4.3 This guide is not intended to be used in isolation, but as a component guide acknowledging many duties of response at a cold water and ice rescue emergency. It also establishes a minimum scope of performance and encourages the addition of optional knowledge, skills, and attitudinal objectives.

4.4 This guide does not establish medical protocols, nor does it authorize invasive procedures without specific authorization and medical control.

4.5 This guide is intended to assist government agencies, state, local, or regional organizations, fire departments, rescue teams and others who are responsible for establishing a minimum performance for personnel who respond to cold water and ice emergencies.

4.6 An ice rescuer shall be wearing an immersion suit, drysuit with PFD, or equivalent cold water protection and buoyancy to perform these rescues.

1.1 This guide covers minimum requirements for the scope of performance of an ice rescuer who performs cold water and ice rescues from the surface, assists with support for ice rescue divers, and provides initial patient care at a cold water or ice rescue incident.

1.2 This guide is one of a series that, together with Guide F1739, describes the minimum performance requirements of an ice rescuer.

1.3 Individuals who will operate in the cold water or ice rescue setting need to be aware of the equipment and physical requirements necessary to be able to perform all identified objectives and necessary skills in the setting.

1.4 The values stated in both inch-pound and SI units are to be regarded separately as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.