I'm going to burn this video for our upcoming Avy II course in March. Even the 1st rescuer had an Avalung. These are great devices for extending live burial time.
When worn correctly they keep snow from plugging the mouth AND the nose if you take the time to put on the supplied nose clip. I keep my clip in the zippered intake pouch when not in use and around my neck 'til I get to possible (not just probable) avy terrain.
The most instructive part of the video is the white/black/blue/white/blue/black tumbling sequence and then the TOTAL cessation of motion when the avalanche came to a stop and turned into virtual "cement". This video is worth more than gold in an avalanche training course.
COMMENDATIONS:
1. Obviously, with such a fast rescue, the victim's buddies watched him closely and figured where he likely stopped. This is the crucial 1st step in avy rescue.
2. Talking to the victim before they are uncovered gives them a great and needed morale boost.
3. This victim may bave been recovered rapidly not only due to good beacon useage but good probing technique.
4. The first rescuer had an easy-to-use Tracker beacon. Be sure you've PRACTICED with your beacon (with friends)several times every year before venturing into avalanche terrain.
RECCOMENDATIONS:
1. NEVER carry a plastic avy shovel (as used by the first rescuer). They are not even sold any more B/C of their inability to cut through densly packed debris field snow. This victim, luckily, was near the surface. Always use an aluminum (or steel) shovel)
2. The latest excavation technique was not followed. Excavation should be done in a V pattern with clockwise rotation every few minutes so the point people can go from very tiring shoveling to the somewhat easier job of paddling the snow out of the way. The victim may have physical trauma from hitting rocks, trees, etc. and the faster he/she is removed the sooner first aid can be administered.
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"There are no comfortable backpacks. Some are just less uncomfortable than others."