Rescue Techniques & Emergency Response Flashcards
9 cards from real ASC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 9 Rescue Techniques & Emergency Response flashcards as text
What is the first priority in an avalanche rescue?
Answer: Ensure scene safety
The first priority in any avalanche rescue, like any emergency situation, is to ensure scene safety for rescuers. Entering an unsafe area could lead to further avalanches or injuries, jeopardizing the rescue effort and putting more lives at risk.
Which tool is used to locate avalanche victims?
Answer: Transceiver
An avalanche transceiver (also known as a beacon) is the primary electronic tool used to locate avalanche victims. It transmits a radio signal when in send mode and receives signals when in search mode, allowing rescuers to pinpoint the buried victim's location.
How deep can avalanche victims be buried on average?
Answer: 1.2 meters
While burial depths vary greatly, studies and statistics indicate that the average depth of burial for avalanche victims is approximately 1.2 meters (about 4 feet). This depth highlights the critical need for avalanche probes and shovels in rescue efforts.
Why is time critical during avalanche rescues?
Answer: Due to rapid decrease in survival rates
Time is extremely critical during avalanche rescues because survival rates decrease dramatically after the first 15-20 minutes of burial. Victims buried longer face increased risks of suffocation, trauma, and hypothermia, making a rapid and efficient rescue paramount.
Which method is used to pinpoint victim location?
Answer: Probing grid pattern
After using a transceiver to get a coarse location, a probing grid pattern is used to pinpoint the exact location of a buried victim. Rescuers systematically probe the snow with an avalanche probe in a grid, increasing the chances of striking the victim and allowing for precise digging.
What is the role of a rescue shovel?
Answer: Digging victims out
A rescue shovel is an indispensable tool in avalanche rescue, primarily used for efficiently digging out buried victims. Its robust construction and ergonomic design allow rescuers to move large amounts of dense avalanche debris quickly, which is crucial for timely extraction.
What does the acronym ABC stand for in emergency care?
Answer: Airway, Breathing, Circulation
In emergency care, ABC stands for Airway, Breathing, and Circulation, representing the critical sequence of priorities for assessing and managing a patient's life-threatening conditions. Establishing a clear airway, ensuring adequate breathing, and maintaining circulation are fundamental steps to preserve life.
Why are rescue simulations important?
Answer: Train for effective response
Rescue simulations are vital for training avalanche professionals and recreationalists to respond effectively and efficiently during a real avalanche incident. Regular practice helps individuals refine their search and rescue skills, improve teamwork, and build muscle memory for critical actions under pressure.
What is the function of a RECCO reflector?
Answer: Reflects radar signals for search
A RECCO reflector is a small, passive electronic transponder integrated into clothing or gear that reflects radar signals emitted by a RECCO detector used by organized rescue teams. It provides an additional method for professional rescuers to quickly locate buried individuals, complementing transceiver searches.