Quick Answer
An avalanche cord is used to probe for a buried person by dragging it behind the probe stick, sensing resistance when it hits a body or an object. This helps locate the position of a victim, allowing for more accurate digging and reducing the risk of further injury. It's an essential tool in avalanche rescue.
Understanding Avalanche Cords
An avalanche cord, also known as a probe cord or rescue probe cord, is a critical component of avalanche rescue equipment. It consists of a series of weighted markers attached to a cord, used in conjunction with a probe stick to locate buried victims. When the probe stick hits a body or object, the cord will sag due to the added weight, indicating the presence of a victim.
Using the Avalanche Cord Effectively
To use an avalanche cord effectively, first, carefully extend the probe stick into the snow, and then attach the cord to the probe tip. Drag the probe stick back and forth, ensuring the cord remains taught. When the probe hits a body or object, the cord will dip, and the weighted markers will become visible. This visual cue allows you to accurately mark the victim’s location. It’s essential to maintain a consistent dragging motion and tension on the cord to obtain reliable results. Practice using the cord in a controlled environment to develop the necessary skills and muscle memory.
Avalanche Cord Techniques
In situations where the victim is close to the surface or in shallow snow, a single probe stick with an attached cord may be sufficient. However, for deeper burials or denser snow, using multiple probe sticks with cords may be necessary. This technique involves dragging multiple probe sticks with cords in tandem, increasing the chances of detecting a victim. When using multiple probe sticks, ensure they are spaced evenly apart and that the cords are not tangled, allowing for an efficient and accurate search.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.