How to conduct an Avalanche Rescue

Small-team avalanche rescue isn’t simply practicing with your transceiver, probe, and shovel. It is important to learn not only how to use your equipment, but also how to execute all the components of a rescue under pressure, including taking in the overall scene, making a plan for how to allocate resources, and considering how you will connect to outside help.

There is too much happening in the moment to try to remember all the things you need to do. Always use the Avalanche Rescue Quick Reference when practicing rescue just as you would in the field.

The video below will walk you through the entire rescue process. The following pages slow the whole process down and go into details of these major steps:

• Scene Size Up

• Search for a Signal

• Follow Your Signal

• Locate Burial

• Shovel

• Patient Care