Item: Recreational Avalanche Accidents in Switzerland: Trends and Patterns With an Emphasis on Burial, Rescue Methods and Avalanche Danger
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Title: Recreational Avalanche Accidents in Switzerland: Trends and Patterns With an Emphasis on Burial, Rescue Methods and Avalanche Danger
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Grenoble – Chamonix Mont-Blanc - October 07-11, 2013
Authors:
- Frank Techel [ WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, 7260 Davos Dorf, Switzerland ]
- Benjamin Zweifel [ WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, 7260 Davos Dorf, Switzerland ]
Date: 2013-10-07
Abstract: During the last 20 years (1992/93 to 2011/12) more than 90% of the avalanche fatalities in Switzerland occurred in uncontrolled avalanche terrain (recreational winter sport activities). Although the recreational activities have increased, the number of fatalities did not increase in recent decades. This positive trend can be attributed to improved prevention measures (e.g. better avalanche education and communication of avalanche danger) and faster and more efficient rescues. The median burial time of fully buried people decreased to 30 minutes and consequently the chance of survival increased, for both rescue by companions and by rescue teams. Most of the fully buried people were found using avalanche transceivers; although in organized rescue avalanche dogs still play an important role. About 85% of the deceased were fully buried. Their main cause of death was asphyxia. Most of the other victims died of trauma-related injuries. Even though the survival chance in an avalanche has increased, an avalanche involvement is still a very serious event. The main focus in avalanche prevention must therefore still be to avoid being caught by an avalanche.
Object ID: ISSW13_paper_P1-08.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Unknown
Keywords: avalanche accident, avalanche survival, mortality, rescue methods
Page Number(s): 1106-1112
Subjects: avalanche accidents avalanche fatalities avalanche rescue
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