Alpenverein has prepared a series of videos on avalanches

In cooperation with Alpenverein and the Czech office of OEAV.CZ we have prepared an article and videos in which you can learn a lot about avalanche safety. This knowledge can save lives!

 

Avalanche accident

Worst-case scenario of an avalanche accident: how to proceed step by step in the search for buried victims, how to handle emergency equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe)? How to quickly find buried victims in an avalanche field and lose minimum time in the process?

"We must remember that an avalanche accident is always an extremely stressful situation! It is only when I develop a certain routine that I am able to react adequately to the situation, improvise correctly and save lives. Time is life," says Michael Larcher, Head of Mountain Sports at the Alpenverein.

 

 

First aid in an avalanche field

Every second counts in an avalanche accident: do you know what to do? The end of an avalanche search is the beginning of medical first aid, and that's a tough job. If panic and uncertainty are added, this task becomes extremely challenging for rescue participants. This guide shows what is important when providing first aid in an avalanche field and what mistakes to avoid at all costs.

 

 

Avalanche transceiver check

This check is an important and very simple measure that we recommend before starting any winter tour (ski tours, snowshoe tours, freeride tours, ...). And this right away, when we set off into the terrain from the hut or the final cable car.

During a small inspection we check the function of the transceiver, during a large inspection we also check the search function.

 

 

How to work correctly with the probe

Time is life! In avalanche rescue, tracking via an avalanche probe plays a decisive role. This will give us information about the location and exact depth of the victim. At the same time, it creates an umbilical cord to the buried. That's why the probe is always left stuck after finding the buried person!

In this tutorial video you will learn how to probe and what to watch out for.

 

 

Efficiency with a shovel

The longest and most strenuous part of an avalanche rescue is digging out the victim. You can make up a lot of time, but you can also lose a lot of time. The more shovels, the better! But only if everyone knows what to do. It's all about the right technique and the right strategy!

 

 

Full range of avalanche equipment