"Falling Through Ice" provides critical knowledge for surviving a plunge into frigid waters, focusing on self-rescue and hypothermia prevention. Many people don't realize that the initial cold shock response can be more immediately dangerous than hypothermia itself, causing involuntary gasping and potentially drowning. The book emphasizes that preparedness, combining knowledge of ice conditions with practical self-rescue skills, is key to survival.
The book progresses logically, starting with the physics of ice formation and the dangers of varying ice conditions. It then delves into how the body reacts to cold-water immersion, explaining the stages of hypothermia and the cold shock response. Practical self-rescue techniques, like using ice awls and the "roll-out" method, are detailed, along with preventative measures such as proper clothing selection.
This book uniquely emphasizes psychological preparedness, addressing the panic that can hinder survival.
