If you are buried in an avalanche, having an avalanche beacon (a.
k.
a.
"a transceiver") can be the difference between life and death.
An avalanche transceiver has the ability to transmit and receive a signal, hence the name transceiver.
In a standard recovery procedure a beacon will be set to transmit a signal.
If a person becomes buried in an avalanche, then the rescue party will set their transceivers to receive mode.
It is critical that everyone in the party who is not buried switch their beacons to receive mode.
If not, valuable time could be wasted by inadvertently searching for a person on the surface.
Before you go out into hostile conditions, make sure that your beacon has fresh high-quality batteries and always test you and your partner's transceiver.
Also bring sturdy avalanche poles and a shovel with your on your journey.
You should wear your beacon underneath the outer layer of your clothing where it cannot be removed or damaged by trees or rocks.
If you do remove the top layer of clothing, remember to readjust your beacon under your remaining layer.
There are two types of beacon: analog and digital.
An analog transceiver will transmit an audible beep when it is put into recovery mode.
To recover a victim, you search for the strongest signal.
Practically all models will have a visual representation of this signal as well.
Digital transceivers are more complex and also more effective.
They will display a distance indicator that will estimate the target in meters.
These transceivers will also have more than one antenna that gives them the capability to display a directional indicator too.
Making the search much more precise.
Some models will start in analog mode and then when they get closer to the victim can be switched to the digital mode with the directional indicator.
When you begin a search for a victim, your goal is to receive a signal via your transceiver.
The standard search technique is to move in a zigzag pattern down the slope until a signal is received.
The width of your pattern depends on the beacon you are using.
Some models recommend search strips of 50 meters and some recommend strips of 30 meters.
If you are in doubt, make narrower strips.
The time it takes to search using narrower strips will not be critical to your victim, but having to search the entire avalanche for a second time might be.
Always remember to keep your gloves on when using your beacon.
You may be tempted to take them off when you are working to locate a victim, but you will need them on your hands when it comes to shoveling and probing.
Finally, use safe travel techniques: call your local avalanche forecast center and make sure you have the latest up-to-date information before you set out.
Appropriate safety techniques and careful planning can limit the number of people who could be put in danger.
k.
a.
"a transceiver") can be the difference between life and death.
An avalanche transceiver has the ability to transmit and receive a signal, hence the name transceiver.
In a standard recovery procedure a beacon will be set to transmit a signal.
If a person becomes buried in an avalanche, then the rescue party will set their transceivers to receive mode.
It is critical that everyone in the party who is not buried switch their beacons to receive mode.
If not, valuable time could be wasted by inadvertently searching for a person on the surface.
Before you go out into hostile conditions, make sure that your beacon has fresh high-quality batteries and always test you and your partner's transceiver.
Also bring sturdy avalanche poles and a shovel with your on your journey.
You should wear your beacon underneath the outer layer of your clothing where it cannot be removed or damaged by trees or rocks.
If you do remove the top layer of clothing, remember to readjust your beacon under your remaining layer.
There are two types of beacon: analog and digital.
An analog transceiver will transmit an audible beep when it is put into recovery mode.
To recover a victim, you search for the strongest signal.
Practically all models will have a visual representation of this signal as well.
Digital transceivers are more complex and also more effective.
They will display a distance indicator that will estimate the target in meters.
These transceivers will also have more than one antenna that gives them the capability to display a directional indicator too.
Making the search much more precise.
Some models will start in analog mode and then when they get closer to the victim can be switched to the digital mode with the directional indicator.
When you begin a search for a victim, your goal is to receive a signal via your transceiver.
The standard search technique is to move in a zigzag pattern down the slope until a signal is received.
The width of your pattern depends on the beacon you are using.
Some models recommend search strips of 50 meters and some recommend strips of 30 meters.
If you are in doubt, make narrower strips.
The time it takes to search using narrower strips will not be critical to your victim, but having to search the entire avalanche for a second time might be.
Always remember to keep your gloves on when using your beacon.
You may be tempted to take them off when you are working to locate a victim, but you will need them on your hands when it comes to shoveling and probing.
Finally, use safe travel techniques: call your local avalanche forecast center and make sure you have the latest up-to-date information before you set out.
Appropriate safety techniques and careful planning can limit the number of people who could be put in danger.
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