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Show CHAPTER 8. AVALANCHE RESCUE If a human being is buried in an avalanche, prompt and organized rescue operations are the only hope of getting the victim out alive. There are records of persons who lived as long as 72 hours while buried. Ordinarily they are either killed instantly by crushing, or die within a short period from exposure, shock, and suffocation. Suffocation is the most important item. Investigations of a number of avalanche accidents, fatal and nonfatal, lead to the conclusion that two hours is the average survival limit. Snow is porous and ordinarily contains enough air to support life, though not consciousness. It appears that in about two hours an ice mask, from condensation of the victim's breath, forms an air- proof seal around his face and he then, of course, dies. Rescue operations are therefore designed to get the victim out within the two- hour time limit. Due to the special circumstances which prolong the life of the victim- he may be in an air pocket- rescue operations must not be abandoned for 24 hours at least. Successful avalanche rescue operations depend upon trained leadership, manpower and special equipment. They are divided into two phases: immediate action and follow- up. Immediate Action 1. Snow ranger takes charge of rescue operations, sounds general warning, does not hesitate to requisition any needed equipment or call for volunteers. All ski patrolmen and experienced skiers ordered to report to central location. 2. Question informant or eyewitness for exact location of accident. Even if in poor physical condition, any eyewitnesses should return to the accident location with the first party to point out where the victim was last seen. This is extremely important. 3. Dispatch the first party. A snow ranger does not necessarily lead this party. It must be in command of a reliable ski mountaineer and first- aid man, preferably trained in avalanche rescue. It consists of not less than three persons. Five is a desirable number, large enough to do the work, small enough to travel fast. This party should be dispatched within 15 minutes after receiving the alarm. 4. The first party goes lightly equipped, with whatever can be picked up at once. Speed is the first consideration. 5. Upon reaching the location of the accident, first party leader posts an avalanche guard unless he decides this is definitely not necessary. - 87 - |
