What assembly is used to haul ice rescue victims up out of the water and across the ice?

• A. Rescue Sling
• B. Harness
• C. Pulley
• D. Lifeline

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that rescuers use a device specifically designed to secure and lift a victim from the water and move them across ice with minimal handling and risk. A rescue sling fits that need perfectly: it’s a fabric or strap assembly placed under the victim in the water and then connected to lines to lift them up onto the surface and drag or slide them across the ice. It distributes the weight across the torso, helps control the victim’s orientation, and allows for a quick, stable hoist without forcing bulky gear onto an unconscious or hypothermic person.

A harness is not the go-to for this scenario because, while it can secure a person, it’s bulkier and less adaptable for rapid placement under someone in water. A pulley is a component that helps create mechanical advantage, but on its own it isn’t the complete device used to secure and haul the victim. A lifeline is the line used for progression or securing gear, not the specific victim-attachment assembly employed to lift someone out of the water and across ice.