The majority of the course is spent in the field, learning rescue principles and practicing techniques. You will learn how to quickly and effectively carry out single and multiple burial companion rescues. The course also includes an in-depth look at modern avalanche gear including airbag backpacks, 2 and 3 antennae beacons, Avalungs, Recco reflectors, probes, and specialized avalanche shovels. You will also learn patient care principles and strategies for evacuation.
This course meets the American Avalanche Association guidelines for an 8-hour avalanche rescue course and it fulfills the rescue requirements for avalanche level 2. We offer this course just before our AIARE level 2 course to enable participants to combine it with the level 2 course in a convenient 4-day package. It can also be taken prior to a level 1 avalanche course as a stand-alone rescue training.
Itinerary
The group will meet at the Peak Mountain Guides office at 8:00 am for a morning session in the classroom. We begin with introductions and an overview of the course. The remaining time is spent introducing avalanche involvement statistics, avalanche gear, avalanche motion, what to do if caught in a slide, and an overview of the companion rescue process for single and multiple burials. These classroom presentations may include case studies, powerpoint slideshows, and videos to keep everyone engaged and learning. After a short break, we will drive to Crystal Lake for the field portion of the course. We will begin with beacon function checks and range checks. Following this, we will have an in-depth session on single, multiple, and deep burial companion rescue. This will include multiple burial techniques such as micro search strip, three circle, and marking functions. Everyone will get to practice numerous times to gain proficiency. We will spend most of the day in the field so please dress warm and bring plenty of food and water. We will finish the day by 5:00 pm.
