User-carried safety device can increase survival time fivefold
A recent study conducted by Eurac Research has shown promising results regarding the effectiveness of a user-carried safety device in increasing survival time for avalanche victims. The study, led by physician and researcher Giacomo Strapazzon, tested the Safeback SBX device, which delivers oxygen-rich air to buried individuals via an electric pump.
The experiment involved a group of volunteer ski mountaineers, ranging from 23 to 54 years of age, who were buried in snow to simulate an avalanche scenario. Despite the challenging conditions, the study was conducted under strict safety protocols, with no serious incidents reported. The results of the study have been published and offer valuable insights for mountain enthusiasts.
According to lead authors Frederik Eisendle and Giacomo Strapazzon, while no device can replace precautionary measures, the Safeback SBX device proved to be highly effective in prolonging survival under the snow. In fact, none of the participants fell below the 80% saturation threshold within the critical first 35 minutes, where death from asphyxiation is most likely to occur.
The study was conducted in collaboration with several research institutions and medical facilities, including the University of Bergen, the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, and the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research. The device, which can supply up to 150 liters of air per minute for 90 minutes, utilizes the natural porosity of snow to create an air pocket that sustains a buried person with patent airways.
The findings of the study have been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), providing valuable insights for avalanche rescue operations. The Safeback SBX device has the potential to significantly increase survival time for avalanche victims, giving rescue teams more time to locate and excavate buried individuals.
Overall, the study highlights the importance of preparedness and safety measures in avalanche-prone areas. While the Safeback SBX device shows promise in prolonging survival time, prevention remains the key to avoiding avalanche accidents. Mountain enthusiasts are encouraged to stay informed and equipped with the necessary safety gear when venturing into avalanche terrain.
