This is just a general checklist
of the steps and actions that could be taken in
the event of an avalanche. Commit this list to memory
and share it with your amigo’s
because what is the point if only you know it.
What to do if your ass gets caught in a slide:
Yell, scream, call out or blow a whistle. Get the
attention of your buddies.
Attempt to escape towards the sides of the avalanche
path.
Ditch any awkward gear that will weigh you down.
FIGHT, swim, grab a tree or rock, or try to self-arrest.
Keep your mouth shut. The force
of the snow will cause it to impact itself in your
pie hole making it impossible to breathe.
When the slide slows down make a strong thrust
towards the surface of the snow.
Push one hand towards the surface. Hope that some
one sees your gloved hand, it will dramatically
speed up the search.
Make an air pocket in front of your face with your
other hand. Any size of air pocket will increase
the chance of finding a live body.
Try to dig yourself out.
Relax, stay calm, this is no time to freak out.
Stressing out will only waste your energy.
What to do during the rescue:
Organize the group. Appoint a
search leader and avalanche lookout. Begin questioning
eyewitnesses.
Check on who is missing from your party.
Assess if there is any further danger up slope.
Identify escape routes in case another avalanche
is triggered by the first.
Set all beacons to receive mode.
Establish and mark victims last-seen
points. Begin an organized grid search of that area.
Search for clues on snow surface.
i.e. your buddies gloved hand or a trail of
equipment concentrated in one area of the slope.
Focus the search on major deposits and likely catchment
areas below the last seen point of victims.
Begin beacon search
Step 1- everyone tries to
obtain missing parties beacon signal.
Step 2- once signal is obtained, everyone home
in on the signal.
Step 3- One person pinpoints the signal while
others prepare their probes and shovels.
Manage group digging as
to not re-shovel the same snow. Use your
brain -don’t
waste your buddies' life by being dumb
now.
Care for victim and begin
First Aid ABC’s. Keep
victim warm.
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