Paracord for rescue work would be good in a pinch but obviously not the best choice. It's really thin which makes it hard to hold and it cuts into your hands. It would be even harder to use with gloves or mittens but if it's all you've got...If you're gonna be around ice a lot it would probably be a good idea to have thicker, stronger rope. Of course you also have the problem of getting the rope to the victim.

JohnE