Item: Being Prepared for Low Frequency Major Avalanche Rescues
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Title: Being Prepared for Low Frequency Major Avalanche Rescues
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2016 Proceedings, Breckenridge, CO, USA
Authors:
- Donald Bogie [ Department of Conservation, Christchurch, New Zealand ]
- Andrew L. Hobman [ Avalanche NZ, Chritchurch, New Zealand ]
Date: 2016-10-02
Abstract: From a risk and search management perspective, an avalanche Search and Rescue (SAR) response contains many factors that increase the complexity and risk while potentially decreasing the safety of the responders and effectiveness of the operation. These time critical, medical emergencies require highly skilled teams to assess and manage the avalanche and other alpine hazards plus they have the potential to be multi-causality events requiring high numbers of responders from multiple agencies. They are low probability/ high consequence events that rescuers and management do not experience often however SAR teams are required to be prepared to best manage the risk and maximize the chance of finding people alive. Key components to increase the chances of a safe and successful operation include; robust planning, reviews and updates, competent Field and Incident Management Team (IMT) personnel, regular and realistic training. To meet these requirements a series of nationally coordinated and funded exercises have been carried out in New Zealand over the last several years so that a number of rescuers and organizations get experience in the key roles and are better prepared to respond. This has been done through carrying out realistic exercises in the field utilizing the full support that would be applicable to a major incident and through running desktop exercises where incident management teams and field teams interact.
Object ID: ISSW16_P3.16.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: Rescue, avalanche site control, training
Page Number(s): 1011-1016
Subjects: rescue training planning and management avalanche control
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