Item: MEASURING SUCCESS RATES, REACTION TIMES AND EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEPLOYING AVALANCHE AIRBAGS WHILE SKIING AVALANCHE TERRAIN
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Title: MEASURING SUCCESS RATES, REACTION TIMES AND EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEPLOYING AVALANCHE AIRBAGS WHILE SKIING AVALANCHE TERRAIN
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings 2023, Bend, Oregon
Authors:
- Gabriel Benel [ Snowmass Ski Patrol, Snowmass Village, CO, USA ]
Date: 2023-10-08
Abstract: A study was conducted to observe and measure the success rates of subjects deploying an avalanche airbag while skiing steep avalanche terrain. A facilitator alerted the subject at a point mid-slope that a fictitious avalanche had occurred. The test was recorded on video so that the attempt to pull the airbag could be evaluated, and reaction times from time of avalanche alert were measured. The goals of this study were to: 1. Evaluate a skier's ability to deploy an avalanche airbag while skiing avalanche terrain; 2. Determine if attempts to deploy the airbag result in detrimental effects to the ability of the skier to remain upright; 3. Measure the reaction time of skiers to deploy the airbag while skiing; 4. Learn from the subjects' experiences in the test and any lessons they learned. Initial testing showed that 89 percent of the subjects were successful in deploying their airbag when alerted of an avalanche event. Mean reaction time to pulling the airbag handle from time of alert was 3.4 seconds, with a standard deviation of 1.9 seconds. Photomontages created from the video of the testing revealed that different subjects used different techniques to deploy their airbags. Test subjects replied to a survey and identified key lessons they gained from the experience.
Object ID: ISSW2023_P3.02.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Gabriel Benel
Keywords: avalanche airbag, avalanche safety
Page Number(s): 1282 - 1286
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