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Show 1. ORGANIZATION AND EQUIPMENT 1.1 Preparation and Organization Efficient use of time is the theme emphasized in all rescues. Time is even more critical a factor in avalanche rescues. American and European statistics show that approximately 50% of the victims buried in an avalanche suffocate if not uncovered in an hour or less. ( See Figure 1.) Earlier, the time limit for 50% survival was believed to be two hours. Hence, rescue operations were designed to find the victim in two hours or less. A two-stage rescue system was devised: the immediate dispatch of a hasty search party ( a fast- moving and lightly- equipped group), followed by the later dispatch of a well- equipped, and often slow- moving, main rescue party. Reliable search of an avalanche accident site by a " hasty" party is essential, but if this does not locate the victim, early arrival on the scene of proper equipment and trained manpower is critical to his survival. In addition to recognition of the one- hour time limit, there are two other developments in North American winter recreation which suggest needed revision of rescue methods: -- The increased exposure of an ever- growing population of winter sports enthusiasts to avalanche hazard. This exposure is augmented further by the increasing size and complexity of modern ski area developments and the introduction of such means of access to mountain terrain as helicopters and motor toboggans. -- The rapidly increasing number of trained personnel competent to execute avalanche rescues, and the provision of modern rescue caches in principal areas of avalanche hazard. The object of a rescue action is to win the race against a clock that is moving even faster than at first thought - equipment and manpower must be assembled as quickly as possible at the accident site. To achieve this goal, a " three- stage" rescue organization is proposed. The degree to which this model is adhered to, or the older system modified, will depend on the individual area. Regardless of the precise rescue plan to be followed, exacting preparation and organization are needed for any operation which presupposes 1ive rescue rather than recovery of a dead body. We emphasize preparedness and cite an example. The Parsenndienst, the famed Swiss ski patrol at Davos, dispatches a first column of rescuers, completely equipped with probes, shovels, radios and resuscitation equipment, within 4 to 8 minutes after receiving notice of an avalanche accident. All organized avalanche rescue groups should strive to meet this standard. 1.2 The Rescue Plan A rescue plan, prepared by the administrators concerned with an area's safety, specifies in concise detail how equipment and manpower are to be coordinated in a rescue operation. The plan must be written in a clear fashion and distributed to the nucleus of rescue personnel and posted at all |