_______ are the best way to provide traction for rescuers moving across ice on their stomachs.

• A. Ice awls
• B. Ice picks
• C. Snowshoes
• D. Bare hands

Answer: (A)

When moving across ice while staying on the stomach, you need secure bite points in the ice to pull against. Ice awls are built for that purpose—they are driven into the ice ahead of you and used as anchors. By planting an awl, then pulling with your arm and shifting your weight to that point, you create a solid grip that lets you advance without slipping. The design provides a reliable purchase in slick, cold ice and works with gloves, giving repeated, controlled traction as you progress.

Snowshoes aren’t practical for a prone crawl on ice and would hinder movement. Bare hands have little to no grip on slick ice and quickly slip. Ice picks can be used for other ice-work, but they don’t offer the same secure, repeatable bite for a continuous crawl as ice awls do.