Item: Multiple beacon searching for the masses: a standardized approach for avalanche educators
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Title: Multiple beacon searching for the masses: a standardized approach for avalanche educators
Proceedings: Proceedings of the 2006 International Snow Science Workshop, Telluride, Colorado
Authors: Steve Christie, Backcountry Access, Inc.
Date: 2006
Abstract: Teaching complex multiple burial scenarios for single searchers in recreational avalanche courses needs to be standardized. Every avalanche beacon on the market has its own function which aids in multiple burial searches, but it’s nearly impossible for avalanche instructors to stay current on the different designs and limitations of each model. Since there are an infinite number of multiple burial scenarios that can occur, a standardized approach must be applied when teaching recreational users multiple burial searching. The standardized approach contains the following four steps: 1. Definition of the search area, 2. Search the entire debris field with a thorough and systematic primary search, 3. Apply the Three Circle Method for close-proximity multiple burials (this serves as a “backup” to the various multiple burial functions found on current beacons), 4. Return to the “abandoned point” of the primary search pattern after each beacon or group of beacons is found. The standardized approach has two key benefits: it is easy to teach to recreational users and it is beacon neutral.
Presenters: Unknown
Keywords: multiple burials, avalanche educators, three circle method, primary search, standardized approach
Subjects: avalanche beacons avalanche education avalanche burials
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Digital Abstract Not Available
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