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Show 1.2.3 Support Information The names of ski area administrators, ski instructors and other citizens of nearby communities who are willing to volunteer for arduous mountain rescues should be compiled along with means of contacting them. This list might include as many as 100 prospective volunteers. Locations and inventories of rescue equipment are listed in detail. For the more complex areas it is necessary to associate specific caches with particular avalanche areas. A complete explanation of cache locations must be given. For example, it may not be enough to describe a cache location as " top of Grizzly Lift." Much better is: " top of Grizzly Lift, under ramp, behind toboggans." When prearranging medical and ambulance support, place special emphasis on respiratory and other resuscitation apparatus. Designated ambulances must be properly equipped to negotiate mountain roads during periods of storm and avalanche activity. The participation of law enforcement officers is essential to properly-organized rescue operations. ( Note role of county sheriff mentioned above.) State highway patrolmen and highway maintenance crews will often be involved when slides fall on highways. Pre- accident planning and coordination with these groups is essential. Participation of law officers and highway crews in avalanche rescue training is highly desirable. For accidents at sites other than those directly accessible by ski lifts or roads, the only hope of live rescue often rests on helicopter transport of the search party to the accident scene. A march on foot to back- country accident sites nearly always takes far more time than the critical first hour in which the victim has a reasonable chance to survive. Contacts should be arranged with helicopter services and experienced mountain pilots wherever these are available. If possible, advance arrangements should be made to cover costs of such services in case of accident. Permanent and temporary heliport sites should be known to the rescue leader. In areas where avalanche accidents may be frequent and use of helicopters likely, establishment of avalanche rescue caches at permanent heliports is recommended. See Appendix i for details of a helicopter rescue cache. 1.2.4 Rally Points When the accident alarm is sounded, volunteers assemble at prearranged primary rally points. Sites with communication facilities, such as lift terminals or Ranger Stations, are the best rally points. Ideally, these should coincide with the location of avalanche caches. Instructions directing volunteers and equipment to the accident site are issued at these primary rally points. For complex hazard areas or widely dispersed ones served by a central rescue organization, secondary rally points may also be designated where the various rescue columns assemble for march to the accident site. Meeting points for ambulances, patrol cars, etc. may also be designated. 6 |
