How should you respond if someone goes missing in an avalanche?

Activating the Avalanche Rescue Plan

When an avalanche occurs, the first priority is to assess the situation and activate your avalanche rescue plan. This involves quickly assessing the number of people missing and the terrain to determine the best search strategy. In most cases, the best approach is to search the avalanche path in a systematic and methodical manner, using the avalanche’s flow path to guide the search. A good rule of thumb is to search in a width of 1-2 times the avalanche’s width, and to move up the slope in a zigzag pattern to cover the most area.

Locating the Buried Person

Once the search area has been identified, the next step is to locate the buried person using probes and a rescue sled. The probe should be used to create a grid of holes in the snow, and the rescue sled should be used to gently remove snow and debris. When a probe hits something solid, mark the spot and begin digging carefully to expose the buried person. It’s essential to dig slowly and carefully to avoid further burying the person or causing injury.

Digging and Extracting the Buried Person

Once the buried person has been located, the next step is to dig carefully to expose them. Start by removing snow and debris from the top of the person, working your way down to their head and then their body. Use the probe to help guide the shovel and to remove snow and debris in a controlled manner. As you dig, be aware of the person’s air supply and work quickly to expose them. Use a rescue sled or other equipment to carefully extract the person from the snow, and provide first aid as needed.