Item: THE AVGAR; A DECISION MAKING TOOL FOR THE ASSESSMENT AND DEPLOYMENT OF AVALANCHE SEARCH AND RESCUE MISSIONS
-
-
Title: THE AVGAR; A DECISION MAKING TOOL FOR THE ASSESSMENT AND DEPLOYMENT OF AVALANCHE SEARCH AND RESCUE MISSIONS
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings 2023, Bend, Oregon
Authors:
- Michael Ackerman [ Silverton Avalanche School, Silverton, Colorado USA ]
- Jonathan Wilson [ San Juan County Mountain Rescue Team,Silverton, Colorado USA ]
Date: 2023-10-08
Abstract: We've experienced an uptick of complicated, avalanche SAR (AvSAR) missions in the US. Teams in Colorado have faced a rash of difficult rescues and recoveries, prompting rescue professionals to re-examine the decision making tools and deployment frameworks guiding our actions. Recent experiences have given us much to reflect on: from teams performing flawlessly in the field to narrowly dodging catastrophic near misses, to rescuers delaying response while members of the public attempt their own recoveries. When deciding to deploy AvSAR personnel into the field, the pivotal question is: Do we GO? Do we HOLD and discuss? Do we decide to NOT GO at all? We should rethink our approach and recalibrate our utilization of AvSAR decision making matrices. Frameworks which lead to dialogue rather than mathematical answers offer more clarity and consistency when considering organized response. These intentional discussions improve a team's ability to leverage their talent and resources when deploying at all hours of the day. Decision making based on conversation provides added value and insight within the ICS deployment process. Through substantive conversations, AvSAR teams have the best chance to address the difficult question: Do we GO? Do we HOLD? Do we decide it's a NO GO?
Object ID: ISSW2023_P2.58.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Michael Ackerman
Keywords: avalanche rescue, decision making, risk assessment, hazard management, exposure scale
Page Number(s): 989 - 995
-