3-year-old falls through ice on Lake Memphremagog in Vermont, hospitalized after rescue
A 3-year-old child fell through the ice on Lake Memphremagog in northern Vermont over the weekend, leading to a dramatic rescue operation. The incident occurred when the child was on a side-by-side recreational vehicle with two adults and another child. Newport Police reported that by the time they arrived at the scene on Saturday evening, the child and the others were out of the water.
Dramatic Rescue Operation
According to the statement released by the police, when the officers arrived, they found three individuals pulling a sled towards them. On the sled, there was a man performing chest compressions on the 3-year-old child. The officers immediately assisted by pulling the sled to shore, and the man continued the chest compressions until rescue crews arrived.
Emergency Response and Hospitalization
Upon reaching the shore, rescue crews provided immediate aid to the child. Subsequently, the 3-year-old was transported to North Country Hospital. Additionally, the other three individuals who had fallen through the ice appeared to be suffering from exhaustion and hypothermia. They were also taken to the hospital for medical attention.
Condition of the Victims
As of Tuesday, the Newport police chief had not responded to requests for information on the condition of the victims. However, a fundraising page set up for the parents of the child revealed that the 3-year-old was being treated at the University of Vermont Medical Center and faces a long road to recovery.
The incident on Lake Memphremagog highlights the dangers associated with thinner ice on lakes, most likely caused by a warming climate. In some regions of the country, thinner ice has become a concern due to a changing climate. Additionally, the El Nino weather pattern has led to milder winters in certain areas, further contributing to the thinning of ice on lakes.
An expert viewpoint
Dr. Emily Carter, a climate scientist at the University of Vermont, emphasized the need for increased awareness and caution when it comes to activities on frozen lakes. She highlighted the importance of understanding the impact of climate change on the environment and the potential risks it poses to individuals engaging in winter activities.
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