The following methods can be used to reduce the mortality of avalanche accidents: decrease the extent of burial, decrease the length of burial and lengthen the survival time in case of complete burial.

A) Decreasing the extent of burial using the buoyant effect (ABS Avalanche Airbag)

Mortality of completely buried victims is extremely high - 52.4% - compared with only 4.2% in partially buried, or non-buried victims. Usually a partially buried victim can be found quickly by searching the site of the avalanche.

Any measure that decreases the chance of complete burial significantly lowers mortality. Safety equipment which reduces the risk of complete burial is more effective than equipment that is based on the possibility of complete burial. (11)

B) Decreasing the length of burial (avalanche beacon)

If a victim is completely buried in an avalanche so that he or she cannot be found from the surface, uninjured companions can reduce the burial time and consequently reduce mortality, by locating the victim with an avalanche beacon or a probe. The burial time depends not only on the time to locate victim, but also on the extrication time. All search devices are effective only in conjunction with a shovel.

C) Prolonging survival time during complete burial (AvaLungTM).

If a completely buried person is able to open the airway and to create an air pocket in front of the mouth and nose, this can prolong survival in an avalanche. This increases the time available for extrication and improves the chance of survival. The AvaLungTM safety vest contains a breathing system which creates an artificial air pocket.

All safety equipment may induce a false sense of security. Any increase in safety is negated if the user is willing to take greater risks (risk compensation).