OCR Text |
Show avalanche cache sites. The plan should be reviewed each season and updated as required. Special features relating to the unique problems of a given area must be incorporated in each plan, but certain essential provisions are common to all plans. These provisions are: 1. Method of initiating the alarm ( by whom, and who is notified). 2. Designation of the hierarchy of command. 3. Information about supporting manpower and equipment. a. Available manpowei- individuals and groups. b. Location and inventory of rescue equipment. c. Medical and ambulance facilities. d. Law enforcement officers. e. Transportation, if applicable-- 1ifts, helicopters, etc. 4. Rally points for manpower, ambulance, aircraft. 5. Supplementary information. a. Maps of the general area. b. Detailed maps of hazard areas. c. Job descriptions for group leaders. d. Accident record forms. 1.2.1 Method of Initiating the Alarm The places most likely to receive the first report of the accident must be ascertained. Ski lift terminals, Ranger Stations and Ski Patrol headquarters are the most likely choices, but strategically located concessions such as gas stations and restaurants or lodges should not be ignored. These fixed facilities, along with mobile units such as highway foreman's truck or sheriff's patrol if applicable, are provided with a copy of the written rescue plan and equipped with the means for sounding an alarm or initiating communications. At fixed facilities, such as a ski lift terminal, both visual and sonic alarm systems can be employed. Flags and sirens are popular and effective. The rescue plan must list clearly and step- by- step the procedure for initiating an alarm. This ordinarily will include notifying the avalanche rescue leader or his designated substitute, who will then assume direction of the rescue and dispatch of the rescue columns. ( See 1.2.2 below.) If the initial accident report comes from a location where trained personnel and equipment are available ( e. g., ski patrol station), the leader will order dispatch of the first column to the accident scene during the same telephone or radio contact by which the alarm reaches him. |