OCR Text |
Show 1.7.2 Proper Travel Equipment Attempts to gain extensive elevation on skis by side- stepping or herring-boning are inefficient and frustrating. They may seriously slow down a party in deep, soft snow. When extended uphill travel to the accident scene is required, climbing skins are a necessity. The use of snowshoes should not be overlooked as an efficient means of breaking trail through deep snow. In fact, many rescues can be conducted more efficiently on snowshoes alone, although the dedicated skier may sometimes be reluctant to admit this. Each mode of oversnow travel has its advantages, depending on terrain, snow conditions and experience of the rescuers. The choice is up to the rescue leader. Oversnow vehicles are widely available today. Their use may often greatly simplify transport of supplies and personnel to the accident site. But the rescue leader should assure himself that the available machines are reliable and that the accident site is indeed accessible by machine in the prevailing snow conditions before he commits his rescue columns to mechanized transport. The speed advantages of helicopter transport to outlying accidents are so overwhelming that this means of transportation should be used whenever equipment availability and weather permit. 1.7.3 Proper Personal Equipment Each column leader should make sure that all Stage I and Stage II volunteers have sufficient clothing for the approach march, a rescue operation, and an emergency retreat if necessary. " Sufficient clothing" for these three functions ( but often insufficient for an extended rescue or bivouac) includes dry parka, mittens, wool hat and wool socks. The perspiration of a day of hard skiing may saturate a volunteer's clothing. Skiing in rain or snowfall close to the freezing point can do the same. The volunteer with wet personal gear is apt to become a liability which should be excluded by the column leader. Stage III columns should bring up clothes and equipment needed for continued warmth and efficient rescue work. 1.7- 4 Safeguarding the Approach March The rescue leader decides upon the approach route to the accident site. Each column in turn follows this route, which should be flagged by the first ( hasty search) column. Rules of safe touring should be obeyed at all times. These rules include wide spacing of the party in avalanche terrain, deploying avalanche cords, avoiding avalanche release zones and belaying on dangerous traverses. This latter precaution can be especially pertinent if the rescue party has to descend an avalanche path which has just slid ( possibly that involving the victim). Avalanching sometimes uncovers or creates a hard, smooth ice layer which provides dangerously slippery footing. Accident case histories indicate this is a recurring serious hazard. Climbing rope is an essential part of every rescue cache. 20 |