Item: Distance between Electronic Devices and Avalanche Transceivers on a Professional Ski Patrol
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Title: Distance between Electronic Devices and Avalanche Transceivers on a Professional Ski Patrol
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2016 Proceedings, Breckenridge, CO, USA
Authors:
- Shawn Orloff [ Big Sky Ski Patrol, Bozeman, MT, USA ]
Date: 2016-10-02
Abstract: Cellular phones and two-way radios are indispensable communication tools for professional ski patrollers. It has been well established that electronic devices cause interference with avalanche transceivers, including negative effects on range and signal recognition. Transceiver manufacturers and researchers recommend a minimum distance of 40-50 cm between electronic devices and a transceiver during a search. The purpose of this study was to determine if professional ski patrollers at Big Sky Resort are adhering to these guidelines and to raise awareness of the interference issue among patrollers. Thirty three patrollers participated in a study that consisted of two parts: a brief oral survey of electronic device use during work hours and distance measurements between the patroller's transceiver and electronic devices during a simulated search. I found the average distance from transceiver to cellular phone was 33 cm and distance to radio was 29 cm. Distance to the cellular phone varied depending on where the phone was carried and over two thirds of the study participants reported that they have experienced interference during a search. Interference at these distances, while present, is minimal and should be easily recognized and overcome by a competent professional rescuer.
Object ID: ISSW16_P3.14.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: avalanche rescue, transceiver, electronic interference
Page Number(s): 998-1001
Subjects: rescue (transceiver technology) smartphones ski patrolling
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