Avalanche rescue

Avalanche Rescue is a specialized field within search and rescue operations, focusing on the procedures and techniques used to locate and extract individuals who have been trapped under snow due to an avalanche.

Overview

An avalanche is a rapid flow of snow down a hill or mountainside. Avalanches can be triggered by various factors such as weather conditions, slope steepness, snowpack conditions, and human activity. When an avalanche occurs, it can bury anything in its path, including people. This is where avalanche rescue comes into play.

Avalanche Rescue Techniques

Avalanche rescue techniques involve a combination of specialized equipment and trained personnel. The primary tools used in avalanche rescue are avalanche transceivers, probe poles, and avalanche shovels.

Avalanche Transceivers

Avalanche transceivers are devices used to locate buried victims. They emit a radio signal that can be picked up by other transceivers. In the event of an avalanche, rescuers switch their transceivers to 'search' mode and use the received signals to locate the buried victims.

Probe Poles

Once the general location of a victim is determined, rescuers use probe poles to pinpoint their exact location. These are long, thin poles that can be pushed through the snow to physically touch the victim.

Avalanche Shovels

After the victim's location has been pinpointed, rescuers use avalanche shovels to dig them out. These shovels are specifically designed for use in snow and are a crucial part of any avalanche rescue kit.

Avalanche Rescue Training

Avalanche rescue requires specialized training. This training typically includes learning about avalanche formation and behavior, how to use rescue equipment, and how to perform rescue techniques. Many organizations offer avalanche rescue courses, including the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education and the Canadian Avalanche Association.

See Also

• Avalanche safety
• Mountain rescue
• Search and rescue dog