There are some actions that could help you if you are caught in an avalanche:
– The first thing you have to remember is: don’t panic;
– get rid of your bag, skis, equipment and do anything that helps you become lighter;
– while falling, try to get to the side of the avalanche and stay on the surface or at least put your hand over it;
– try to stay at the top of the slide;
– if you were unsuccessful with the above, try putting a hat or scarf in front of your mouth and nose or try to make an air gap with your hands to prevent suffocation from snow dust;
– take a deep breath and try to hold it as long as possible;
– try to keep your breath constant;
– do not sleep;
– try to move your body if possible;
– switch your beacon to broadcast mode.
If your partner is caught in an avalanche and when the avalanche stops:
– Start searching immediately. Remember that you are his only chance and you don’t have much time;
– try to observe it and start looking for it at the point where it was last seen. As a general rule, the victim is usually between the point where they were last seen and the location of their lightest gear. He/she can also be found around some obstacles;
– look for any clues that can help you find the victim;
– switch your transceiver to receive mode and perform an avalanche transceiver search;
– seek external help;
– do not stop searching while waiting for help.
beacon search
The most important part is to locate the signal. When you get a signal, try to find out the location of the victim. You should not walk directly towards the victim. When you are within 3 meters of the victim, move the transceiver closer to the snow and search at 90 degrees. Move the beacon back and forth, left to right and look for the strongest signal (usually the victim’s beacon is below the strongest signal).
Victim Profile:
The typical victim is a vacationing individual, white, male, between the ages of 18 and 35, well educated, intelligent, and experienced in sports but with no knowledge of avalanches. [http://the-avalanches.com/].
What are the conclusions:
– you need to check beacons every day by switching them to receive and transmit mode;
– all beacons in the group must use the same frequency. 457 kHz is considered to be the best frequency in case of being buried;
– a beacon should be kept in a safe place and tightened very well so as not to lose it (drop it) in case you get caught in an avalanche;
– it is necessary to take some additional avalanche equipment such as: avalanche shovel, avalanche probe, first aid kit.
