Which tool should rescuers carry to cut through rope or entanglements during ice rescue work?

• A. Cutting tool
• B. Hammer
• C. Wrench
• D. Chisel

Answer: (A)

Rescuers must be able to quickly sever rope and disentanglements so the victim can be freed without adding risk. A cutting tool is the best fit because it is specifically designed to make clean, controlled cuts in rope and lines, even under awkward or tense conditions, without putting extra strain on the surrounding gear or the rescuer. This allows you to rapidly free a person or relieve entanglement with minimal effort and risk. In contrast, a hammer, wrench, or chisel isn’t intended for cutting rope and can damage rope fibers, slip, or be unsafe to use in tight ice conditions, making them far less effective for this task.