Shovel

If a larger rescue team is on hand, other rescuers should assemble their shovels as the transceiver searcher and prober finish their tasks. Do not leave packs or other equipment downhill of the probe—these items will be buried and lost when the shoveling begins, which will only create more problems for the team as the rescue continues.

If the probe strike is less than 3 ft (1m) deep, shovelers take one step downhill and begin digging towardsthe victim. If the victim is buried deeper than 1m, shovelers take two steps downhill and dig straight down and then inwards towards the victim. With three or more shovelers, two should be in the front, with additional shovelers moving snow downhill.

Shoveling as a team saves energy and time. The team should rotate out the two primary shovelers in front at 75-90 second intervals. Shovelers in the rear may choose to convert their shovels into hoe mode, if applicable. This speeds up clearing shoveled snow. As soon as rescuers reach the victim, care should be given to not injure the victim with shovels, and the victim’s airway should be cleared immediately.