5. What if you go down?

 

  • headerimgsis.pngYell or use whistle to get your partners attention.
  • Do whatever you can to keep your head above the surface of the snow including rolling, grabbing tree branches or the tree trunk. If possible, keep your feet below level of your head.
  • If you become immersed, make a space around your face and protect your airway – resist the urge to struggle, it could compromise your airspace and entrap you further.
  • Stay calm to conserve air.
  • Trust your partner is on their way.
  • If possible, use your cell phone to call ski patrol or the resort's emergency number.
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6. Keep your partner in sight at all times!

What if your partner goes down.

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Volunteer Skier being Rescued by Ski Patrol During Tree Well Experiment.
More than half of all SIS victims were with partners that did not see them go down. Lose sight of your partner and you could lose your friend. 

If you lose contact with your partner, assume they need help. Many SIS victims have died while their partners were waiting at the bottom of a lift.

TIP: In dense tree areas or in poor visibility, ski or ride short pitches and stop to regroup often - stay within sight of your partner!
  1. Don’t leave to get help – Stay with your partner!
  2. Call for additional resources. Use a whistle or yell for assistance. If possible, call ski partol or the resort's emergency phone number.
  3. Evaluate scene safety for yourself.
  4. IMMEDIATELY begin snow immersion rescue efforts.
 
  • Go directly for the airway, and keep it clear, be careful not to knock more snow into the hole. Clear any snow from the airway and continue necessary first aid or extrication efforts
5. Do not try to pull victim out the way they fell in. Instead, determine where the head is and tunnel in from the side.
 
  • When tunneling directly for the airway be careful not to knock more snow into the hole.Continue expanding the tunnel to the airway until you can extricate the body. Efficient “strategic shoveling techniques”with multiple rescuers is very useful.

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