Avalanche Rescue

Advanced signal searching for very large avalanches

The analogy between a landing airplane and the different phases of a transceiver search include numerous points , such as a good balance between search speed and search precision, or the distance of the device to the snow surface.

Important measures for avoiding interference when using transceiver.

The Basic Snow Conveyor Belt, allows for efficent excavation of a buried subject with minimal rescuer training.
The system is optimized for average burial depth. Special cases can be handled more efficiently with the full version of the Snow Conveyor Belt.

Searching for buried subjects without a transceiver.

Carrying your transceiver in a secure way.

Assigning location and organizational unit-specific leadership tasks may be necessary based on extent of the accident site, complexity of the rescue mission and workload.

Check List for an effective approach in companion rescue.

Precise fine search technique for very deep burials, such as subjects in terrain traps, narrow creek beds, or crevasses.

Transceiver search technique in fine search to achieve sufficent search precision before pinpointing.

The Group Check verifies that the transceivers of all group members are turned on and functioning properly. This systematic approach provides a quantitative range check on a daily basis. The tests are done within a defined test distance with minimum requirements for transmit field strength and receiver sensitivity. The single group check only checks the SEND function of the participants and the SEARCH function of the group leader. The double group check verifies SEARCH and SEND of the participants and the group leader.

To be able to properly interpret distance indications and build a mental map of the rescue scenario, using the multiple burial information provided by the transceiver, is the key to success. The proper understanding of the situation allows making the right decisions concerning the best search and rescue strategies.

An ideal ratio between search speed and search precision leads to the best search performance: as fast as possible and as precise as necessary.

Understanding  the problems interference can cause, distinguishing a "real signal" from a "false positive" and searching in heavily disturbed areas.

Determining optimal length of the Snow Conveyor Belt depending on burial depth and slope angle.

Solving complex multiple burial scenarios during fine search when the digital multiple burial approach has failed.

Solving complex multiple burial scenarios with adaptive alternative search strategies.

The sequence of actions when solving a multiple burial scenario with the marking feature of the transceiver.

Efficient use of resources when multiple rescuers are present while finalizing the last two search phases. Thanks to clear commands and physical separation of work spaces, the team is saving time and increasing the chances of survival.

Achieving the “Greatest Good for the Greatest Number” when you are short of rescue resources.  Buried subjects in shallow and average burial depth require less resources to be saved and have higher chances of survival. It is advised to prioritize those subjects before excavating deep burials.  Deep burials absorb a lot of the limited resources and the likelihood of survival is lower.

How to achieve “Greatest Good for the Greatest Number” when you are short of rescue resources. Taking into account burial depth, terrain features, trees, and presence of vital data, when defining the sequence of actions, will lead to a higher overall success rate. Buried subjects with a higher chance of survival, who require fewer resources, will be prioritized.

Tasks for managing a rescue operation.

Personal rescue equipment for traveling in avalanche terrain.

By determining the position of the buried subject with multiple probe hits of a probing spiral, it is possible to optimize the starting point and alignment of the Snow Conveyor Belt.  This reduces potential for mechanical injuries and head access times.

Spot probing technique.

Coarse probing techniques.

Fine probing techniques.

Initial coarse searching with Recco device.

Advanced Recco coarse search.

Recco device testing and battery charging procedures.

Fine searching with Recco device.

Recco search for multiple burials.

Recco searching with multiple searchers.

Advanced techniques for Recco search with multiple rescuers.

Pinpointing using spiral probing technique.

Recco Search for further burials.

Recco Search in a team of two.

Recco search close to a probe line.

Recco search close to other rescuers.

Overview of search phases with Recco device.

Steps to take prior to starting a Recco search.

Recco Signal Search procedure and important points concerning search strip width and searching inclined terrain.

Advanced techniques for Recco search.

Safety and emergency equipment for avalanche terrain

To ensure the safety of the rescuers and the efficiency of the rescue operation, access to the accident site must be controlled.

Tasks for logistics, communication and equipment management.

The task or responsibility of “probe line search” in organized avalanche rescue includes search tactical aspects as well as protocolling the searched area, managing the resources and communicating with the accident site leader.

The task or responsibility of “Recco search” in organized avalanche rescue includes search tactical aspects as well as protocolling the searched area, managing the resources and communicating with the accident site leader.

The task or responsibility of “transceiver search” in organized avalanche rescue includes search tactical aspects as well as protocolling the searched area, managing the resources and communicating with the accident site leader.

When an avalanche destroys residential areas, or buries vehicles and trains, buried subjects are not equipped with a transceiver or Recco reflector. The search therefore has to focus on generic characteristics and is furthermore complicated by the interference of metal parts and debris.

The overview is showing the four search phases of a transceiver search in avalanche rescue. This sequence of actions provides an efficient and systematic approach to search for a buried subject.

Procedures for solving multiple burial scenarios with an avalanche transceiver. Taking advantage of the user friendly and efficient marking features is the first choice.  Based on reliable criteria it is useful to determine, when it is time to switch to an alternative search strategy: The Micro Search Strips or the Three Circle Method.

Complexity of a search may be influenced by multiple factors such as the amount of buries subjects or interference. Based on the considerations of the generic search theory, narrowing the search strip width and increasing the search precision due to a reduction of search speed will ensure that the probability of detections remains a high as possible.

Information on self check and battery test.

Enlarging the excavation site for extended medical treatment.

Procedures after first visual contact with the patient.

Determining the optimal number of rescuers for Snow Conveyor Belt shoveling.

Removing snow accumulating at the end of the Snow Conveyor Belt in an effective manner is preventing work efficiency getting compromised.

Criteria for appointing a Snow Conveyer Belt Coordinator.

Cutting blocks when debris is too hard for paddling or scooping.

Best technique for excavation of buried subjects with clear definitions on alignment of the rescuers and where to start digging.

When an avalanche destroys residential areas, rescue includes challenges and complexities of avalanche and urban search and rescue. Thus, special considerations have to be taken into account for the efficiency of the rescue and the safety of the rescue mission. When an avalanche destroys residential areas, rescue includes challenges and complexities of avalanche and urban search and rescue. Thus, special considerations have to be taken into account for the efficiency of the rescue and the safety of the rescue mission.

Using analog sound with a modern approach, such as the “sound check” is easy to teach and allows for building up and updating the “mental map” of the rescue scenario based on reliable and instant, “real time” audio feedback.

Where to dig when a probe hit is impossible.