Why do I need an avalanche probe?
Precious time can be wasting digging unless you know exactly where the buried victim is located. Avalanche probes weigh less than a pound and take only seconds to deploy.
|
When do I probe for the victim?
Once you have found a spot in the snow where your beacon gives the lowest distance reading, it's time to probe. Pull your probe out of your pack and assemble it. Pull your shovel out and assemble it at the same time.
|
How to probe?
Probe in concentric circles, each 25cm apart, and make sure to probe perpendicular to the snow surface.
Image courtesy of Backcountry Access
Important: Once you strike the victim, LEAVE THE PROBE IN PLACE to mark their position.
|
|
What is Spot Probing?
Spot probing is probing areas where the victim is likely buried. These areas include places where the debris piled up like benches, dips, and bends in the path. These areas also include places near clues like a piece of clothing, gear, a ski or near a snowmobile.
When to Spot Probe?
If the person or persons conducting the beacon search have not acquired a signal, other rescuers can begin spot probing. Also, spot probing is the first step if the victim is not wearing a beacon.
|
Learn how to probe for a buried victim and dig them out of the debris
| Finding a victim with a beacon is only part of the rescue. Probing and digging are the next step. Probing comes first and is an essential step. Digging or shoveling can be exhausting and time consuming. |
| After the victim is located with a probe: |
| If the victim is buried less than 1 meter deep, start digging on the downhill side of the probe. Find and clear their airway as fast as possible. |
| If the victim is buried deeper than 1 meter, you need a plan because there will be a lot of snow to move. Start digging downhill of the probe a distance of 1.5 times the burial depth. |
|
Image courtesy of Backcountry Access
|
|
Avalanche debris can be very hard, and you may have to chop the snow. Prying hard debris may break or bend your shovel.
Start your digging by shoveling snow to the sides. As the hole gets deeper, snow can be shoveled to the downhill side. The goal is to only move snow once.
|
If there are more people available, they can help with the digging. Everyone needs to work together in an coordinated manner to uncover the victim as quickly as possilble.
|
If 2 rescuers are available:
|
If 3 rescuers are available:
|
|
Image courtesy of Backcountry Access
|
Image courtesy of Backcountry Access
|
Next Section: Survive the Night »