Avalanche S&R Checklist

[Flange]

I took AST 1 with Zacs Tracs about 4 years ago and towards the end of the field training day, we broke into 2 groups and each group staged a mock avalanche debris field c/w multiple burials. Then each group switched locations and proceeded to carry out an "organized" search and rescue. I personally found it to be a great experience that really opened my eyes. It became very apparent that organizing people, many of whom could be complete strangers, can be a very difficult thing to pull off. This was only a mock scenario and there were a number of challenges. I witnessed these same issues a couple of years later when I volunteered to help Lori with another one of her field training days. I can't imagine how hard it would be with the additional pressure of a real life situation.

During the drive home after our first training day, we came up with the idea to create a compact S&R checklist that we could carry with us and quickly refer to in the event of a slide. We took a few days to type out the list. We put multiple list on a page then got them lamiunated at a copy shop and cut them up for each person. We put emergency phone numbers on the back too. I keep mine tagged to my beacon. I also laminated a CAC card I picked up somewhere along the way.

While I trust my training will kick in automatically during an emergency, I like the peace of mind that this checklist will provide our group with. It states some obvious steps, but then, most checklists do. Thought I'd share it. Might help someone else one day. I hope I never need it.

 

[U turn]

Great idea. Can you type up the list, or a bigger pic of it?

 

[Flange]

Great idea. Can you type up the list, or a bigger pic of it?

1. Evaluate your own safety.
2. Choose a leader – Note time of day.
3. Witnesses? Anyone missing? Is victim wearing a beacon?
4. Determine last seen location of victim(s).
5. Survey debris field – Do not remove visual clues.
6. ALL beacons to “Search/Receive” – Turn off all electronics.
7. Assign tasks – Search/Spotter/Equipment/Help/Fire/Shelter.
8. Establish search pattern (20-25 paces apart) & Pinpoint.
9. Probe to confirm location – Do not remove probe.
10. Note time of day.
11. Switch all beacons back to “Transmit”.
12. Switch diggers often – Have drinking water ready.
13. Uncover victim’s head, first – Note time of day.
14. Check vital signs – Get victim breathing.