True or False: It is possible to find victims with arms frozen to the ice shelf.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not Sure
• D. Depends

Answer: (A)

In cold environments, skin and damp clothing can freeze to a frozen surface. If a person has an arm in contact with an ice shelf while temperatures are subzero, moisture on the skin or fabric can quickly freeze and bond to the ice. That creates a real chance that the arm is literally stuck to the ice.

The important rescue implication is to avoid yanking the limb free, which can tear tissue and cause further injury. Instead, stabilize the casualty, then carefully release the arm by cutting or chipping away the ice around the limb, or otherwise separating the ice from the skin without forcing the arm. After freeing them, protect from further cold exposure and begin rewarming and medical care as needed.

So yes, it is possible for victims to be found with an arm frozen to the ice shelf.