What is one drawback to deploying throw bags or coiled ropes to an ice rescue victim?

• A. Rope friction
• B. Hypothermia
• C. Wind shear
• D. Rope tangling

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that time in cold water drives hypothermia risk. Throw bags and coiled ropes are quick reach tools, but they don’t instantly remove the victim from the icy water. If it takes time to unravel, throw, and secure the line, the victim may remain exposed to freezing conditions longer, increasing the chance and severity of hypothermia.

Rope tangling can complicate the maneuver, and rope friction can add drag, but these are secondary operational challenges rather than the primary danger. Wind effects on the surface can affect footing and line management, but they don’t directly explain the main drawback of using throw lines.