If Your Partner is Caught in an Avalanche

If your partner is caught in an avalanche, the first thing you should do is save yourself. Really. You'll be of no help to your buried partner if you are injured or buried.

As soon as you can do so safely, watch the victim. You are trying to establish the area where they were last seen. Try to pay attention to the victim relative to landmarks so you will be able to recall his or her location. You can dramatically reduce the size of the search area if you establish their last location accurately. You can also delay the rescue if you mistakenly select a location that is too low.

As mentioned on the previous page, everyone who knows that an avalanche is occurring, and everyone who hears the call "Avalanche!," should echo the call loudly.