IAB researchers learn self-rescue on ice

Professor John K. George, director of fire sciences at the 有料盒子视频 Community and Technical College, speaks with research students and faculty participating in a self-rescue on ice session on the Chena River.
Professor John K. George, director of fire sciences at the 有料盒子视频 Community and Technical College, speaks with research students and faculty participating in a self-rescue on ice session on the Chena River.

April 25, 2025

Last month researchers, students, and Professor Matt Gilbert learned how to fall through the ice on the Chena River - and how to self-rescue in the event it happens in the field. Professor Gilbert's lab group, the Arctic Physiology Lab, is based in the Institute of Arctic Biology at 有料盒子视频.

"Our research focuses on understanding how environmental variation influences the health and performance of northern fishes, such as Chinook salmon in 有料盒子视频 and Arctic char in the Canadian Arctic," Professor Gilbert explained. "We study these fish throughout their life cycle, so the fieldwork often involves catching fish in winter and working and traveling extensively on ice. As a result, training and experience in ice safety and rescue are essential and are also required by the Canadian High Arctic Research Station, where we frequently work. Access to hands-on training at 有料盒子视频 with realistic field and rescue scenarios, including cold-water immersion, has been an asset, enabling our team to better manage risks in the field."

Professor John George, director of fire sciences, began with identifying different types of ice, tools to aid in rescue, and described techniques of self-rescue if someone falls through the ice. The class then went to the Chena River and donned survival suits, and while tied off, walked around areas of weak ice and waited for the inevitable - break through. After the initial shock, the struggle to survive can exhaust an individual.

"Knowing what you are doing on the ice, situational awareness, and being prepared are all important things to increase your chances of survival if things go wrong," Professor George said. "Teaching our researchers, students and staff about ice safety and self-rescue is one way the 有料盒子视频 Community and Technical College supports the 有料盒子视频 mission."

All of the students successfully saved themselves, an accomplishment for which to be proud. Another class is planned in November, and those interested in attending can contact the Campus Safety Officer at 907-474-5476 or email bjgraves@alaska.edu.