bca Float 18 Benutzerhandbuch Seite 15

This is a basic introduction to avalanche rescue techniques. On our website, you will also find a list of
avalanche instructors. We strongly suggest taking an avalanche course in your area before venturing
into the backcountry. Each person needs a working beacon, probe and shovel—and must know how
to use them. Before leaving, call your local avalanche forecast center and determine the danger level
in the area you intend to visit:
US: www.avalanche.org
Searching for victims
If a member of your group is buried, you must perform a beacon
search. The objective is to find the strongest signal (lowest
distance reading) and immediately begin probing the area. In the
event of a burial, switch all avalanche beacons to search mode.
The guidelines below assume the use of a digital beacon.
Signal search: If there is a "last seen point," start your signal
search there. Otherwise, start your signal search at the top,
bottom or side of the slide path. See diagram on right to establish
a search pattern.
Coarse search: Once a signal is engaged, align your beacon so
that any of the center three lights are flashing and move quickly in
the direction it is pointing. Make sure the number in the distance
display is decreasing. If it is increasing, turn 180 degrees. Inside
ten meters, move slowly and try to keep the center search light engaged.
Fine search: Within three meters, use your beacon close to the snow surface and look for the
smallest distance reading. Confirm by "bracketing" in the perpendicular direction.
Probing/Pinpointing: At the point where the distance has reached a
minimum, probe the area in concentric circles, with each probe hole about
10 inches (25cm) apart. Your probe should enter the snow perpendicular to
the slope. Once you have confirmed the victim's location, leave the probe
in the snow.
Shoveling: While shoveling might seem elementary, it usually consumes
the majority of time during an avalanche beacon rescue. For best results,
start shoveling just downhill of the probe. Make your hole one "wingspan"
wide. In burials deeper than one meter, excavate downhill about 1.5
times the burial depth. For more advanced shoveling techniques,
see our website: www.backcountryaccess.com/shoveling.
Canada: www.avalanche.ca
Avalanche Rescue
Europe: www.lawinen.org
20m
40m 40m
1.5 x
burial depth
20m
single searcher
search path
multiple searchers
search paths
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˝ ˝
CM CM
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