Ten possible mistakes in avalanche rescue

6th possible mistake

Wrong:
Not paying attention to an air pocket and to the airway.

Right:
Check the space in front of the mouth and nose;
evaluate the airway.


Evaluation of an air pocket and of the airway is primarily a question of paying attention during the extrication. An "air pocket” refers to any space – no matter how small – in front of the mouth and nose in the presence of a free airway. Rescue teams must be trained, more than they have been in the past, about the importance of these findings.