Massachusetts film crew hospitalized after entering frozen pond
Acton Fire Chief Anita Arnum encouraged people to never attempt a rescue if someone falls into icy water, as this often creates more victims.
Filming of a zombie movie went wrong on Monday afternoon when several crew members entered a frozen pond in eastern Massachusetts. No injuries were reported.
Just before 3 p.m. EST Monday, the Acton Fire Department received a report that two people had fallen through ice at the pond at North Acton Recreation Area "NARA" Park in Acton, Massachusetts, Acton Fire Chief Anita Arnum confirmed. A group has been filming a zombie movie at the park.
Acton is about 30 miles northwest of Boston.
Arnum said initially, the department was told that one person went out on the ice in a kayak to set up a scene. However, two people may have actually been out in the kayak, Arnum told Paste BN on Wednesday evening.
While on the phone with the dispatcher, the caller reported that additional crew members had entered the water and ice to attempt a rescue, Arnum said. Though the dispatcher warned against anyone else entering the water, five people may have ended up in the pond, Arnum added.
When the Acton Fire Department arrived to the park, the last person was being pulled from the pond by a fellow crew member, Arnum said. All five individuals were evaluated at an ambulance and four were transported to Emerson Hospital in Concord, Massachusetts, which is about five miles from Acton. One of the individuals refused transportation.
Arnum said four of the members were reportedly 23 years old and one was 30 years old.
Arnum reminded people to never attempt a rescue on their own, as this often creates more victims.
What should you do if you fall into icy water?
If you fall into icy water, first and foremost, Arnum advised, don't panic. Call out for help, if people are nearby. Don't remove any winter clothing, as air trapped inside the clothes may provide warmth and buoyancy.
If on your own, turn the direction you came from, as the ice you just walked on is likely to be the safest to pull up on, Arnum said. Next, place your hands and arms on an unbroken surface of ice and kick your legs, trying to pull yourself up onto the ice. Once up and out of the water, lie flat and roll away from where you entered the water. Roll toward thicker ice.
Finally, find shelter and get warm, Arnum said. Remove all wet clothing and change into warm, dry coverings, if possible. If in a remote area, start a campfire. Otherwise, get to a car or inside a building and seek medical assistance.
What should you do if someone with you falls into icy water?
If you are with someone else who falls into icy water, remember the phrase, "Preach-Reach-Throw-Go," Arnum said.
- Preach: Call 911 and reassure the victim help is on the way
- Reach: If you can safely reach the victim from shore, extend an object like a rope, jumper cables or tree branch
- Throw: Toss one end of a rope, or similar item, to the victim to grab onto
- Go: If the situation becomes too dangerous to perform a rescue, call 911 or go find help
What should you do if a pet falls into icy water?
If a pet falls into icy water, do not attempt to rescue them by entering the water. Find help, Arnum said. Pet owners should always keep pets leashed while walking on or near ice.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at Paste BN. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com.