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Show Number, names and description of the buried persons, Size and type of the avalanche, Condition of the avalanche field, Exact burial circumstances, Burial and last- seen points. Note: The avalanche, with its most important characteristics, is sketched at once, even if crudely, according to the information furnished by witnesses. Be careful of the statements of witnesses if they sound confused. Sudden disaster overtaking those close to them often shocks the accident witnesses and they are unable to give a true report. Departure. The dog leaders always try to reach the mission objective with one mission crew or at least with a guide familiar with the locality. The approach route: a) Exaggerated haste and speed are a detriment. The important part of the mission is not the departure or approach, but the possibly wearisome search work for which one has to be in pretty fit condition. b) The mission leader also has responsibility for the departure and the approach, and he decides the pace. c) The pace of the march has to conform to the weakest crew member. The last man maintains the steady pace of the march by passing messages to the leader of the march. d) The distance maintained between group members depends on the danger of the area, the weather and the time. Visual and audible communication ( night, fog) must be definitely maintained. e) Avalanche slopes should be avoided where p6ssible. If this is not possible, they should be traveled. with extreme caution. f) The dog has to walk at " heel," if possible in the ski tracks. The dog leaders are always last in the rescue crews, thereby providing the dogs with as good a path as possible* From time to time, the dog is given the necessary liberty for running around and voiding his bowels. This is important, especially in very cold weather. - 54 - |