| OCR Text |
Show Stage I I Avalanche cords Standard first- aid equipment Climbing skins Medical supplies for use by phys ician Climbing rope Portable toboggans ( light- Headlamps and spare weight or sectional) batter ies Portable radio Large sleeping bags First- aid tent and heater Problems in cross- country travel are the same for all rescue stages. Sufficient avalanche cords, climbing skins, rope and headlamps must be provided for the Stage II and Stage III columns if a march into the back-country might be required. These items are less critical if likelihood of avalanche accidents is confined to areas served by ski lifts or otherwise access ible. Stage II brings to the accident scene the necessary equipment for care and evacuation of the victims. Medical supplies are divided into two categories: ( 1) Items utilized by persons trained in first aid, and ( 2) items for use only by a physician. In general, ( 1) represents standard first- aid and resuscitation equipment, while ( 2) includes injections and medications. Care of the recovered avalanche victim is discussed in detail in Section 3. For lift- served area, standard ski patrol toboggans are satisfactory. For back- country rescues, light- weight or sectional toboggans such as the Akja are necessary. Sectional types which can be broken down and mounted on packboards are much preferred. They should be so mounted and kept ready to go in the avalanche cache ( see Figure 11). Large sleeping bags with full-length zippers are essential for warming and handling the victims. Down-filled bags are the best, for they are light and compact to transport as well as offering maximum insulation. The various supplies for a Stage II column should be kept packed in rucksacks or packboards ready for transport. Packs weighing 20 to 30 pounds will usually be the most convenient. A normal full compliment of Stage II equipment will require five or six men for transport. If the route is long and arduous, provision of a relief column to share the packing chores will speed travel. 27 |
