The beacon search should be completed promptly ensuring all debris was adequately covered. Professional searchers should be skilled in multiple, close proximity beacon burial scenarios and be able to apply marking functions or alternative search strategies (3-Circle method, micro-strip, micro-box techniques) and be prepared for the possibility of a deep burial. Understanding how to employ an alternative search strategy if marking functions fail requires routine practice with your specific beacon to become efficient and accurate. Once it is determined that all missing beacon victims have been found, the rescue can be continued with everyone in Transmit/Send.

Due to the number of resources and people necessary for clearing the debris of an unknown number of victims, able-bodied victims, witnesses, and bystanders can become rescuers. Outside agencies and nearby ski areas can become rescuers. Incorporating the Incident Command System as the rescue complexity grows to appoint an Incident Commander may become necessary.

When people and resources are limited, rescue and medical triage must be considered to ensure their most efficient use. Deep burials may need to wait so that shallow victims can be rescued. Victims rescued possessing an open airway and air pocket should be treated as though they are viable long after those with clogged airways are not viable (see ICAR Avalanche Victim Resuscitation Checklist). Resources should be allocated to ensure the maximum number of victims are recovered alive.

The Incident Command System (ICS) is a standardized approach to incident management that is used for all kinds of incidents by all types of organizations and at all levels of government. ICS is applicable to small incidents as well as large and complex ones. ICS has been tested for more than 40 years of emergency and nonemergency applications by all levels of government; and in non-governmental and private–sector organizations. ICS helps to ensure:

• The safety of responders, community members, and others.

• The achievement of incident objectives.

• The efficient use of resources.

When employing ICS during an avalanche rescue, the Incident Commander controls the site and access to the site to account for all rescuers arriving and departing. The site must be controlled to avoid scene contamination or removal of clues that can lead to further victims. Access to the site can be controlled by mandating that all entrants follow a specified arrival and departure route and that all check-in and out with the Incident Commander or designee. One method to keep track of individuals is to collect an ID or season pass from each rescuer upon check-in and to return the ID upon check out.

The Incident Commander should consider creating a diagram of the debris and locations of clues and victims to help better direct resources. Field books are great for drawing maps of the debris search area and victim locations. Complex scenes may benefit from technology platforms and GPS. Such note-keeping will become a part of the legal record so it should be kept neat and accurate.

Utilizing the ICS to its full potential requires study, certification, and practice in realistic scenarios. Employment at various organizations may be contingent on ICS, and Professional Avalanche Search and Rescue (Pro AVSAR) courses also require a base level certification. You can locate more info and sign up for online certification courses on FEMA’s ICS website.

The International Commission for Alpine Rescue has established protocols for using colored wands or flags for marking the locations of an avalanche site. These protocols were created to address efficient site layout, create a unified system that facilitates cooperation among organizations, and reduces the potential for misunderstandings between rescue personnel. The color and configuration are as follows.

• Orange- Safe ingress/egress

• Yellow- Perimeter

• Red- Areas probed

• Blue- Finds by rescuers (objects, tracks, dog indications) - Also known as "clues"

• 2 Crossed Wands, Flags, or Poles- Point last seen

• 3 Crossed Wands, Flags, or Poles- Actual location of the recovered subject(s)

Depending on the context and circumstances of the avalanche, this stage may be short or protracted. Operational procedures will dictate when a site can be called clear and how personnel and victims leave the scene. If multiple agencies are involved, this process will correspond with the order of operations contained in the ICS. There are instances where a site may not be cleared for days due to avalanche hazard reduction, personnel constraints, or inclement weather.

Once the path has been cleared, the rescue team should set aside time soon thereafter to perform an after-action review. Reflecting on what went well and what can be improved helps refine and improve future avalanche responses.

Formally documenting an avalanche fatality or significant event is supported by industry standards laid out in the Snow, Weather and Avalanches Observational Guidelines (SWAG) Appendix H. This convention requires a more detailed investigation and can happen in-house or with the aid of outside agencies. Avalanche Centers are resources that can provide additional support when appropriate. The ability for avalanche involvements to become part of the public record serves to benefit the greater community, but may not always occur due to legal implications or privacy concerns.

Addressing the emotional needs of rescuers, and victims, after an avalanche should be a priority once everyone is safe and the scene has been demobilized. Emerging organizations such as Responder Alliance provide resources and training to help rescuers cope with the traumatic effects of first response. The development of the Avalanche Near Miss Database is yet another tool professionals can use to submit a personal involvement in an avalanche while remaining anonymous. The changing culture of the avalanche industry supports the continued creation and utilization of new tools based on research and community engagement. If you do this job long enough, you will see the ugly side of being an avalanche professional. Have a plan to address the issues that will surely follow and become an advocate for yourself and your colleagues.