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| Using Transceivers |
| Transceivers offer the best chance of rapidly locating buried skiers. They
must be worn by all members of the party, and if your transceiver is not compatible
with that of your colleagues, it is of no use whatsoever. They must emit a signal
at a standard frequency of 457kHz - some older models in the US operate at a different
frequency - these should no longer be used.
Make sure you install new alkaline batteries at the beginning of each season. You must wear the unit close to your body where it won't be ripped off in an avalanche. At the start of the day, the group tests all transceivers to ensure their batteries are strong. They are then left on the transmit setting throughout the day. If one of the party is taken by an avalanche, the rest switch to the receiving mode to locate the incoming signal.
Practice is essential before you need to use your transceiver. When one of your group is buried, it's too late to be reading the searching instructions.
If the amount of off-piste skiing that you do does not justify buying your own transceiver, you can hire one for the day in most resorts. In addition, any ski guide worth his or her fee should be able to provide them for all their clients for a daily charge. |
| Searching with a transceiver |
| First search down the flow line from the last seen point, following the route
as shown. |
| Single Search |
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Group Search
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| Once you have received a signal from the buried transceiver, turn off all except one receiver. Walk in the direction of the signal until you reach the point where it is strongest. Turn through 90 degrees and once again find the place where the sound is strongest. Repeat this process until you can pinpoint the buried victim precisely. |
| Pinpointing the signal |
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| Avalanche cords |
| Avalanche cords are a second-best option. On dangerous-looking slopes, you trail a 10-metre cord behind you as you ski. If you are buried, it is hoped that part of the cord remains visible on the surface. |
| Recco transmitters |
| Recco transmitters consist of a chip of material that can be detected under snow by a receiver (the system is similar to a shop's anti-theft device). They are cheap and light, and can be attached to your clothing or ski-boots. While better than nothing, their disadvantage is that the searchers must be equipped with a receiver. In practice this means waiting for rescuers to arrive and hoping that they carry the necessary equipment. |
| Inflatable vest |
New on the market in the last few years, you can also wear an inflatable vest. This incorporates a cylinder of compressed air.
In the event of an avalanche, you crack the cylinder, inflating the vest. Not only does its bulk help you to float on the surface of the slide, but should you be buried, you can breathe the air from the vest (as long as you can find the nozzle).
Nice idea, but remember, the best plan is not to get caught.
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| Shovel and first aid kit |
| A shovel and first aid kit should be carried if your off-piste skiing takes you any great distance from help, as should a reflecting emergency blanket. |
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