OCR Text |
Show leave much of the rescue equipment for the second and third columns in order to travel at maximum speed. The whole first- stage operation is designed to get probe lines in operation at the accident in the shortest possible time. During that part of the rescue when the victim's chances of survival are the greatest- the first hour- prob ing ordinarily will be confined to the coarse- probe technique ( see Section 2.3 for details of this technique). Because the coarse- probe line moves with sufficient speed to cover the critical search areas in a short time, it can effectively replace the scuff line. The scuff line has been recommended in previous rescue procedures as a separate step between the hasty search and the fine- probe operation designed to uncover any near- surface clues to the victim's location. The coarse- probe line is able to perform this function while probing is in progress. Stage I I After dispatch of the hasty search and probe columns, a first- aid and evacuation group is organized. If proper equipment is available, the first ( hasty search) column ordinarily will carry a rucksack with elementary first- aid and resuscitation equipment. But this light- weight equipment is intended to deal only with the critical requirements of immediate resuscitation. The second rescue stage is designed to supplement this as soon as possible with more complete first- aid equipment, provisions for sheltering and warming the victim, medical attention if possible, and the necessary equipment for evacuating the treated victim. Equipment transported by the second stage will include toboggans, blankets or sleeping bags, a tent, heating pads, and more sophisticated resuscitation equipment including oxygen and a medical kit for use by a physician. Obviously the Second Stage may take longer to organize than the first and most certainly will move slower because it is burdened with heavier equipment. But speed is still essential, for the job of rescue is only half done when the victim is located. He still must be revived, protected from shock and further injury, and transported with great care. Accumulating evidence of many avalanche accidents shows that post- rescue treatment of the victim is just as important as finding him in the first place. For instance, if resuscitation is required to restore breathing, the victim must be watched and transported very carefully, with instant provisions to resume resuscitation if breathing stops again. An important key to a successful ( live) rescue is getting expert medical attention to the victim immediately. Ideally a physician should be on the scene when the victim is uncovered. The rescue leader should try to locate a doctor while he is organizing the second column and send him with this column if at all possible. A well- stocked rescue cache ahould include a special medical kit to be used by any available physician. See Appendix i for recommended contents of such a kit. |