Quick Answer
Your first action after an avalanche is to move as soon as possible to the edge of the slide and dig out your airway to breathe. Check for injuries and assess your situation before calling for help. Stay calm and think clearly to ensure you receive aid.
Assessing the Situation
After an avalanche, your priority is to assess the situation and determine the extent of the damage. Take a few deep breaths to calm down and clear your mind. Check your airway by digging out the snow around your face and mouth. If you can’t breathe, this is your first priority.
Digging Out
Use any available tools such as your avalanche probe, ski poles, or shovel to dig out from the snow. If you don’t have a shovel, use your hands or any available objects to clear the snow. Start by digging out your airway and then focus on your upper body. Aim to clear about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) of snow to access fresh air. Use a systematic approach, such as digging in a grid pattern, to ensure you clear all the snow around you.
Calling for Help
Once you’ve assessed the situation and dug out enough to breathe, it’s time to call for help. If you have a personal locator beacon (PLB) or a satellite phone, use it to call for rescue. If not, locate a high point to signal for help using a whistle, mirror, or any other visible objects. Stay visible and keep repeating the signal until help arrives.
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