Avalanche Emergency - Rescuers 6

During this period speed of extrication is critical to prevent rapid suffocation

The identification of an air pocket is of secondary importance. Even during the extrication, an obstructed airway must be cleared as quickly as possible. If the victim is not breathing or is breathing ineffectively, assisted ventilation must be initiated in the hole by which the victim has been reached.

Since life-threatening hypothermia is not expected manage the patient according to general emergency medical (ILCOR guidelines 2000 (5)).

If the patient is in critical condition, this can be attributed to obstructive asphyxia (obstruction of the airways, mechanical compression of the thorax, or aspiration) or to traumatic injury.

In case of cardiac arrest, begin basic and advanced life support (BLS, ALS).

Before a prolonged evacuation, the patient must be warmly packaged to prevent heat loss using chemical heat packs, space blankets, multiple insulating layers, a bivouac sack and a hat. For the traumatized patient, the choice of destination hospital depends on the nature of the injuries. Otherwise, the patient should be flown to the closest hospital with critical care capabilities.






		A) Management with a short duration of burial (up to 35 minutes)

		During this period speed of extrication is critical to prevent rapid suffocation The identification of an air pocket is of secondary importance. Even during the extrication, an obstructed airway must be cleared as quickly as possible. If the victim is not breathing or is breathing ineffectively, assisted ventilation must be initiated in the hole by which the victim has been reached. Since life-threatening hypothermia is not expected manage the patient according to general emergency medical (ILCOR guidelines 2000 (5)). If the patient is in critical condition, this can be attributed to obstructive asphyxia (obstruction of the airways, mechanical compression of the thorax, or aspiration) or to traumatic injury. In case of cardiac arrest, begin basic and advanced life support (BLS, ALS). Before a prolonged evacuation, the patient must be warmly packaged to prevent heat loss using chemical heat packs, space blankets, multiple insulating layers, a bivouac sack and a hat. For the traumatized patient, the choice of destination hospital depends on the nature of the injuries. Otherwise, the patient should be flown to the closest hospital with critical care capabilities.

A) Management with a short duration of burial (up to 35 minutes)

A) Management with a short duration
of burial (up to 35 minutes)