How to care for and evacuate and injured party

Post-rescue care

The patient’s airway takes precedence over other issues. As soon as snow is cleared from the victim’s face and their airway cleared, rescuers with first aid or medical training should check the patient, providing first aid and CPR as necessary.

Ensure your patient has a clear airway, is breathing, and has a pulse. Once your team has fully excavated the patient, you still have a serious medical and logistical issue to deal with. Patient care is first and foremost.

The victim will likely need medical attention for serious injuries sustained in the avalanche. If in exposed terrain, the team should move the patient to a safe zone, away from avalanche and weather hazards. Ensure the patient is treated for or protected against hypothermia and other environmental threats and then perform a complete head to toe physical assessment for injuries.

Have wilderness first aid training

If you don’t have adequate first aid training, take a wilderness first aid course from a reputable provider in your area. Consider the first aid training and skills of you and your partners when Assembling Your Group. Just as you practice your rescue skills regularly, keep your skills sharp and up to date through regular training.

Carry evacuation equipment

You may have sought out the backcountry for the solitude and remote terrain. The reality of what this means, however, can be terrifyingly clear when having to move an injured party to a place where you can meet professional rescuers. Even if a helicopter can come to your aid, you may need to move the patient to a suitable location.

At a minimum, carry enough equipment and know how to assemble an improvised a litter or buy a commercial sled or tarp. Refresh your skills by practicing assembling it each season. While you won’t learn first aid or evacuation skills on an AIARE course, these skills are just as important as avalanche rescue skills.

What you would do after you’ve excavated a fully buried victim should be considered every time you practice avalanche rescue. It’s important to consider these additional required skills and equipment both when you Assemble Your Group and Discuss Your Emergency Plan.

The team should prepare a landing zone, if possible, by removing any loose debris and instructing team members to secure personal packs and clothing. Protect the patient from blowing snow when the helicopter arrives. Don’t approach the helicopter until instructed to do so by the pilot.