Intermediate Avalanche Search & Rescue Training Course
Who is this course for?
When was the last time you practised with your avalanche search and rescue skills? You have already used avalanche rescue equipment but feel the need to update or refresh your skills. This course will build on your previous experience. It will give you the confidence that, should an avalanche occur, you will be able to carry out an effective and rapid search.? You will learn about the most up-to-date avalanche search and rescue methods and techniques.
Realistic Avalanche Burial Situations
You will be confronted with realistic burial situations where the casualty is typically buried between 1 m and 1.5 m deep. To be effective training must as closely as possible resemble a real situation. Transceivers buried just a few inches below the surface lull you into a false sense of security.
Avalanche Transceiver “Start of Day” and “Group Check”
You will learn how to carry out an effective “start of day” group check. This will ensure you and everyone in your group has a fully functioning avalanche transceiver.
Phases of the Avalanche Rescue
The “Signal Search”
You will learn how to adapt your strategy depending on the number of searchers available and where the victim(s) were last seen on the surface. Learn about managing other rescuers and potential witnesses and onlookers to avoid confusion delaying the search. Here knowledge about potential interference from portable electronic devices, ski infrastructure can enable you to anticipate problems and overcome them.
The “Coarse Search”
Improve your “coarse search”. The course search is a balance between speed and accuracy. This phase has been likened to the approach of an aircraft to the runway, fast initially and then reducing speed until the aircraft touches down. This phase leads into the “Fine Search”. Learn how to use this “Airport Approach” method. Receive tips and advice to improve your technique.
Fine Search
Improve your search techniques including complicated multiple burial situations where “micro-strips” and the “3 circles” methods can help.
Avalanche Probing Technique
Refine your probing technique to ensure that you quickly locate the avalanche victim(s). You will learn and practise the latest digging techniques to ensure that you reach the victim with the minimum of delay.
Electronic Interference
With just about everyone carrying or wearing electronic devices interference can be a major issue. Learn about how this effects transceivers and how to deal with it.
Handing over to Professional Rescue Services
Whilst self-rescue gives the best chance of survival professional rescuers will arrive on scene. Learn about how to call out the professional rescue services and know what information the rescue services will ask you for. Learn the steps needed to prepare for the arrival of a rescue helicopter and potential avalanche search dogs.? Read my article about Mountain Rescue in the French Alps
