What is the primary purpose of a rescue sling in ice rescue operations?

• A. To haul ice rescue victims up out of the water and across the ice
• B. To cut through ice
• C. To measure ice thickness
• D. To anchor lines to water

Answer: (A)

A rescue sling is used to secure the victim for extraction so rescuers can haul them out of the water and move them onto the ice safely. It acts as a quick, adjustable harness around the torso, allowing a rope or line to be attached and used to lift or drag the person without pulling on limbs or twisting the body. This distributes the load, helps control the lift, and speeds up getting the victim to a safe area on the ice.

It isn’t used for cutting ice, measuring ice thickness, or anchoring lines to water. Those tasks rely on different tools and techniques (ice saws or axes for cutting, thickness probes for measuring, and solid ice anchors or equipment for securing lines).