What are the steps to follow for avalanche rescues?

Here are the general steps to follow in avalanche rescues:

1. Stay Safe and Call for Help

   • If you witness an avalanche bury someone, someone needs to take the leadership role immediately.  That leader needs to immediately call for professional help if available.

   • Activate any communication devices you have, like a two-way radio or satellite communication device, to notify your group or rescue services.

2. Ensure Your Own Safety

   • Assess the avalanche risk in the area before attempting a rescue. Ensure it’s safe for you and your group to approach the avalanche site.

   • Avoid creating additional risk by assessing the stability of the surrounding snowpack. Make sure you are not standing on a slope that might slide.

3. Use Transceivers (Avalanche Beacons)

   • If you and your group members are equipped with avalanche transceivers (beacons), switch them to “search” mode and follow their signals to pinpoint the location of buried individuals.

4. Probe the Snow

   • Use an avalanche probe to search for the victim under the snow. Start probing systematically, moving from the area where you have the strongest signal from the beacon.

   • If you encounter an obstacle or detect a victim, mark the spot and continue probing.

5. Dig Quickly and Efficiently

   • Once you locate a victim using your probe, start digging immediately. Every second counts in an avalanche rescue.

   • Dig with urgency but be mindful of the potential for secondary avalanches. Ensure someone is watching for signs of unstable snow.

6. Rescue Shovels and Strategic Digging

   • Use rescue shovels to remove snow efficiently. It’s critical to dig down to the victim’s airway as quickly as possible.

   • Remove snow from around the victim’s head and face first, as this is where air is needed the most.

7. Aid the Victim

   • Once you’ve uncovered the victim’s face and airway, check for signs of breathing, pulse, and consciousness.
   • Provide first aid and initiate rescue breathing or CPR if necessary.
   • Keep the victim warm and protected from further cold or snow exposure.

8. Coordinate with Rescuers

   • Communicate with other rescuers to ensure an organized and efficient effort. Assign specific roles, such as shoveling, probing, and providing medical assistance.

9. Evacuation and Transportation

   • As soon as the victim is uncovered, secure them onto a rescue sled or toboggan and transport them to safety. Be mindful of any potential injuries.
   • If the victim is breathing and conscious, keep them warm, calm, and provide reassurance.

10. Seek Professional Medical Help

    • Even after you’ve successfully rescued the victim from the avalanche, it’s essential to seek professional medical care. Hypothermia, trauma, and other injuries may still pose risks.

Remember that avalanche rescue requires training and practice. It’s crucial to take avalanche safety courses, practice with your rescue equipment regularly, and develop a plan for your group before heading into avalanche terrain. Additionally, carry necessary equipment, such as avalanche transceivers, probes, shovels, and first-aid kits, and be aware of the avalanche forecast and conditions in the area you plan to explore. Avalanche safety is paramount to reduce the risk of becoming involved in an avalanche in the first place.