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Show 1.2.5 Supplementary Data An ample supply of area maps is essential to the rescue plan. Large- scale topographic maps are preferred; their value can be augmented if principal avalanche areas are clearly marked. Such maps can help an accident witness pinpoint the site, guide the rescue columns, and furnish access information for helicopter support. Personnel assigned to leadership and communication should be given written job descriptions at the planning stage ( don't wait until the accident has happened). For instance, a job description written for the accident site commander would explain how to organize the probing operation, among other things. Paperwork obviously must be kept to a minimum during actual execution of a rescue. Key personnel must be thoroughly acquainted with details beforehand so they do not have to spend unnecessary time when the rescue is underway performing such tasks as checking cache lists or reading instructions. HOWEVER, there are sound organizational and legal reasons for keeping certain essential records during an accident. The rescue leader, for instance, should have a record of exactly who was sent where, and with which column, so all rescuers can safely be checked back in at the end of the operation. Times of essential decisions and actions should be recorded. Pencil and paper for this should be in the rescue caches or at other critical points. See Appendix iii for the example of an actual rescue plan. 1.3 Rescue in Three Stages Most avalanche rescues can be conducted according to a three- stage plan. Stage I The first objective is to locate and uncover the victim in the shortest possible time. Sufficient manpower, probes and shovels must be delivered swiftly to the accident site. To insure speed and safety, rescue volunteers should travel in groups of five to ten men, each with an appointed leader. Several such columns may be required during the first stage of a sizeable rescue. Because speed is essential, the columns must carry only those items which will enable them to reach the accident site safely and perform the initial hasty search and probing operation. The rescue leader should issue accurate instructions to each column, including designation of safe routes and an unequivocal appointment of an accident site commander to take charge at the scene. This First Stage does not eliminate the hasty search function previously programmed in avalanche rescue tactics. The first column on the scene conducts the hasty search of the avalanche debris, scuffing and probing at the most likely burial points. They will also search for clues on the debris surface and mark the location of any which are found. This first column must move out very quickly following notice of an accident; they may |