What gear is essential for avalanche survival safety?

Pre-Avalanche Safety Gear

When venturing into avalanche terrain, it’s crucial to carry essential safety gear. This includes an avalanche transceiver, a probe, and a shovel. The transceiver should be a three-antenna model, such as the Ortovox 3+, with a fast search mode and a simple user interface. The probe should be at least 240 cm long and have a sturdy design. The shovel should be a collapsible, aluminum model with a curved or angled blade.

Avalanche Accident Response

In the event of an avalanche, locate any survivors in the air pocket created by the snow’s surface tension. This can be done by feeling for a slight drop in air pressure or by observing for signs of life, such as movement or sounds. If no one is in the air pocket, initiate a companion rescue by using the transceiver to locate the buried victim’s signal. Set the transceiver to “search” mode and use the probe to determine the victim’s burial depth. Once the depth is known, use the shovel to carefully excavate the victim, taking care not to cause further injury or burial.

Companion Rescue Techniques

When performing a companion rescue, it’s essential to work efficiently and safely. Use the transceiver to locate the victim’s signal, then use the probe to determine the burial depth. For example, if the probe indicates a burial depth of 1.5 meters, use the shovel to create a small hole at that depth, then expand the excavation in a systematic and safe manner. When excavating, always work from the top of the burial, using the shovel to carefully remove snow in a controlled manner.