Rescue Captured on Camera as Woman and Her Little Dog Fall Through Ice

Authorities in Springfield, Missouri, have issued a warning after a dramatic ice rescue occurred Sunday afternoon.

The Springfield Fire Department’s Water Rescue Team saved a woman and her small terrier dog from an icy pond. The woman had ventured onto the ice to rescue one of her two dogs after it fell through, but she became trapped when the ice gave way beneath her.

The rescue effort came just days after the department’s Water Rescue Team had conducted ice rescue training, an annual preparation for such emergencies.

In a statement, Chief Ben Houston, who oversaw the coordinated response from multiple fire stations, said, “Without our specialized equipment and training, this situation could have turned out much differently.”

A video shared by the city of Springfield on Facebook shared the moment the “woman and her little dog” were rescued from the pond’s icy water.

The rescue was led by Captain Chris Gardner and equipment Operator Tyler Nevins, with assistance from other members of the Water Rescue Team. Battalion Chief Christopher Roush, who manages EMS and special operations, happened to be nearby and captured much of the rescue on video.

Using specialized ice rescue tools, the team reached the woman and her dog and brought them safely to shore. The woman was warmed, evaluated and transported to Mercy Hospital as a precaution. Roush said that “her core temperature was low, which happens very quickly in these conditions.”

“This was a life-threatening situation,” Roush said in a statement. “Without the quick actions of bystanders calling for help and the expertise of our team, the outcome could have been tragic.”

The Springfield Fire Department reiterated its ice safety warning in light of the incident, emphasizing the dangers of venturing onto frozen ponds, lakes and streams. Fire Chief David Pennington repeated this message following the rescue.

“While at the surface the ice appears solid and capable of supporting your weight, the reality is much different, which could result in falling through the ice into very cold water,” Pennington said. “This becomes a dangerous and very serious situation very quickly.”

In a Facebook post recounting the rescue, the department reminded the public of key safety tips:

• Call 911 immediately if you see someone fall through the ice.
• Maintain voice and visual contact with the victim, offering encouragement until help arrives.
• Do not attempt to rescue the person yourself, as entering icy water without proper equipment can be deadly.