Massachusetts Film Crew Rescued After Falling into Frozen Pond While Filming Zombie Movie
A group of film crew members in Massachusetts found themselves in a perilous situation on Monday afternoon when they fell through the ice of a frozen pond while filming a zombie movie. The incident occurred at the North Acton Recreation Area, also known as NARA Park, located in Acton, Massachusetts, about 30 miles northwest of Boston. Fortunately, despite the dramatic scene that unfolded, no serious injuries were reported.
The Acton Fire Department received a call shortly before 3 p.m. EST regarding two people who had fallen into the icy waters of the pond. Acton Fire Chief Anita Arnum confirmed the incident to USA TODAY, explaining that the film crew had been on location shooting scenes for a zombie movie when the mishap occurred.
According to initial reports, one crew member ventured onto the ice in a kayak to set up a scene for the movie. However, the situation quickly escalated when it was revealed that two people may have actually been in the kayak. While the fire department was receiving the call, the dispatcher learned that other crew members had entered the water in an attempt to rescue the individuals who had fallen through the ice.
Despite repeated warnings from the dispatcher to avoid entering the freezing water, a total of five crew members may have ended up in the pond. The Acton Fire Department rushed to the scene, where they found that the last person had been pulled from the water by a fellow crew member. All five individuals were evaluated by paramedics on site, and four of them were transported to Emerson Hospital in Concord, Massachusetts, located just five miles from Acton. One of the crew members declined medical transportation.
The crew members involved were reportedly young adults, with four of them being 23 years old and one individual aged 30. While no one sustained severe injuries, the situation highlighted the dangers of working in cold and potentially hazardous conditions, even when filming a fictional event such as a zombie attack.
Dangers of Ice and How to Respond if You Fall Through
Falling into icy water is a life-threatening situation, and it’s crucial to know what to do if you ever find yourself in such a predicament. Chief Arnum provided several important safety tips on how to handle a fall into icy water:
Don’t Panic: The first and most important piece of advice is to remain calm. Panicking only wastes energy and reduces your ability to think clearly in a life-threatening situation.
Call for Help: If there are people nearby, shout for help immediately. The sooner help arrives, the better the chances of rescue.
Do Not Remove Winter Clothing: While it may seem logical to discard heavy winter clothing, Arnum advises against it. The trapped air within your clothes may actually provide buoyancy and warmth, which can help you stay afloat longer.
Use the Ice You Came From: If you’re alone, try to turn toward the direction you came from. The ice you walked on is likely to be the safest place to climb back up. Place your hands and arms on solid, unbroken ice, and use your legs to kick and propel yourself upward. Once out of the water, lie flat and roll away from the edge of the ice, making your way to thicker ice to avoid falling in again.
Seek Shelter and Warmth: After you’ve gotten out of the water, it’s vital to find shelter and warm up. Remove any wet clothing as soon as possible and change into dry, warm clothes. If you are in a remote area, try to start a fire, or if possible, seek shelter in a car or building. Medical assistance should be sought, as hypothermia can set in quickly.
What to Do If Someone Else Falls Into Icy Water
If you are with someone who falls into icy water, time is of the essence, and you must act quickly. Chief Arnum offered a simple guide to follow, known as the “Preach-Reach-Throw-Go” method, which can help save lives in these situations:
Preach: Immediately call 911. Reassure the victim that help is on the way, as remaining calm and focused will improve the chances of a successful rescue.
Reach: If you are close enough to the victim, try to extend a long object, such as a rope, jumper cables, or a tree branch. Reach out to them, but never attempt to enter the water yourself unless it is safe to do so.
Throw: If you cannot reach the victim directly, throw them a rope or another floating item they can grab onto. This allows them to stay afloat while waiting for rescue.
Go: If the situation becomes too dangerous, do not hesitate to go for help. Call 911 or find the nearest person who can assist in the rescue effort.
The Importance of Preventative Measures
The incident in Acton highlights the critical importance of exercising caution when working in or near frozen bodies of water. Chief Arnum stressed the need for individuals to understand the risks associated with ice, especially in places where it might seem thick but could be deceptive.
While many people are familiar with the dangers of open water, frozen ponds, lakes, and rivers pose their own unique risks. Ice may appear solid, but it is often thinner than it seems, especially in areas where the water is moving or where it has recently thawed. No matter how safe it seems, ice should never be trusted unless it has been tested thoroughly for safety.
For anyone with pets, the risk is even greater. If a pet falls through the ice, it’s crucial not to attempt a rescue. Pets can panic and make the situation more dangerous for both themselves and their owners. Arnum advised that pet owners should always keep their pets leashed when walking near ice-covered bodies of water, reducing the likelihood of an accident.
The Role of Emergency Responders
The quick response of the Acton Fire Department helped ensure that all the crew members who fell through the ice were safely rescued. The department’s ability to handle the situation quickly prevented further harm, demonstrating the importance of emergency preparedness in dangerous situations.
The act of rushing into the icy waters to help the crew members may have been well-intentioned, but it is a stark reminder of the dangers that come with acting impulsively in life-threatening situations. The fire department’s prompt arrival and successful rescue operation underline the importance of knowing when to intervene and when to seek professional help.
In the aftermath of this incident, safety procedures for filming in hazardous conditions, such as frozen bodies of water, are likely to be reevaluated. This event serves as a wake-up call for those in the entertainment industry, reminding them of the real-world risks that can occur during filming, even when no harm is intended.
Conclusion
The Acton, Massachusetts, film crew’s fall into a frozen pond while shooting a zombie movie serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of working with ice and water in cold conditions. Fortunately, despite the terrifying incident, all individuals involved received medical care and will recover. Chief Anita Arnum’s advice on what to do if you fall through ice or witness someone else doing so is invaluable for anyone living or working in cold climates. By staying calm, taking the right steps, and following safety protocols, we can better protect ourselves and others from the dangers of icy waters.
source by CNN