What to do in case of an avalanche:the CAI video pills

The various topics include planning with a focus on preparation and bulletins, the departure, during the activity in snowy territory, the use of the Artva, in the event of an avalanche, the survey phase and the excavation

BOLOGNA – Self-rescue in case of avalanche, means implementing all those behaviors that allow you to reduce the risk and increase the chances of success of first aid operations.With winter upon us and snow at high altitudes, the team of experts from the National Commission for Mountaineering, Ski Mountaineering and Free Climbing Schools of the CAI coordinated by the Central School of Ski Mountaineering (also of the CAI) has created seven video pills to share with mountain goers a series of good practices ranging from planning before departure to the use of equipment. A handbook available on the CAI YouTube channel.

Specifically, the different topics are planning with a focus on preparation and bulletins, the departure, during the activity in snowy territory, the use of the Artva, in the event of an avalanche, the survey phase and the excavation.

We start with planning the snow excursion reducing risks with careful assessment regarding preparation, the skills of the participants and the equipment, without forgetting a look to weather and avalanche bulletins. In particular, it is essential to wear the Artva And put the shovel and probe in the backpack so that they are easily removable.With the departure, the meteorological, snow conditions and those of the hikers are evaluated.Careful checking of equipment is essential. During the mountain excursion then, it is necessary to monitor the weather and the surrounding environment, looking for danger signs.

In the event of an avalanche accident, calm and concentration are needed.In particular, it is necessary to master the use of the ARVA and the probe to locate any buried people.Efficiency during the self-rescue phase increases the chances of success.In particular, the search for the “first signal” involves the use of sight and hearing to locate crucial clues on the avalanche surface. As regards the recovery of a person, the objective is to quickly free the person dug up from the snow with the shovel, allowing the passage of air to the respiratory tract.

“Videos are born like useful indication of good practices, but they do not replace preparation and study:knowledge, competence and experience (training) are necessary and fundamental elements”, underlines the CAI.