What is the recommended order of operations in a cold-water rescue?

• A. Scene safety, size-up, PPE check, ice assessment, establish reach/throw systems, locate victim, perform rescue, provide medical care, transport, and debrief.
• B. PPE check, scene safety, locate victim, ice assessment, transport, debrief.
• C. Locate victim, perform rescue, transport, debrief.
• D. Debrief, transport, provide medical care, locate victim.

Answer: (A)

In cold-water rescue, safety and a measured, information-driven approach guide every move. The sequence should begin with scene safety and size-up to spot hazards, conditions, and available resources, so responders don’t put themselves or others at unnecessary risk. Following that, a PPE check is essential to ensure gear is ready for immersion and hypothermia risks, and an ice assessment helps determine stability and the safest access points. With risk controlled and conditions understood, establish reach or throw systems so you can help the victim without overexposure. Then locate the victim to tailor the rescue plan, execute the rescue with appropriate technique, and once the person is out, provide medical care on scene and arrange transport if needed. Finish with a debrief to review what happened and improve future responses. Skipping scene safety or PPE, skipping the ice assessment, attempting a rescue before locating the victim, or debriefing before care and transport undermines safety and effectiveness, which is why the full, ordered sequence is the best answer.