ASC Rescue Techniques & Emergency Response 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which beacon search method is most effective when a single rescuer is searching for a single buried victim?
- Spiral search starting from the last-seen point
- Signal search → coarse search → fine search sequence (Correct answer)
- Random grid walking across the entire debris field
- Waiting for a second rescuer before beginning
Correct answer: Signal search → coarse search → fine search sequence
The three-phase sequence (signal, coarse, fine) is the standard single-rescuer protocol that systematically narrows to the victim's exact location.
Question 2: In a multiple-burial scenario, what is the recommended beacon search strategy?
- Each rescuer searches independently without coordination
- Mark each located victim with a probe and pole before moving to the next signal (Correct answer)
- Excavate fully before searching for additional victims
- Only search for the shallowest burial to maximize speed
Correct answer: Mark each located victim with a probe and pole before moving to the next signal
Marking each burial point with a probe and pole and then immediately moving to the next signal allows the team to locate all victims quickly before committing to excavation.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of switching all rescuers' beacons to 'receive' mode upon entering the debris field?
- To conserve battery life during a prolonged search
- To prevent beacon interference that could mask a buried victim's signal (Correct answer)
- To allow the rescue coordinator to track team positions
- To comply with AIARE certification requirements
Correct answer: To prevent beacon interference that could mask a buried victim's signal
Multiple transmitting beacons create signal interference (crosstalk) that can mask or distort a buried victim's signal, so rescuers switch to receive.
Question 4: How deep can an avalanche probe typically reach in standard rescue operations?
- 1 meter
- 2 meters
- 3 meters (Correct answer)
- 5 meters
Correct answer: 3 meters
Standard avalanche probes are 240–320 cm long, allowing searches to approximately 3 meters depth where most victims are found.
Question 5: What physical sensation indicates that a probe has struck a buried victim rather than a rock or debris?
- The probe bounces back sharply
- A distinct hollow thud or slight give different from the firm resistance of rocks (Correct answer)
- The probe stops abruptly with no flex
- The probe handle vibrates continuously
Correct answer: A distinct hollow thud or slight give different from the firm resistance of rocks
A buried human body feels distinctly different — softer with slight give — compared to the hard, immovable resistance of rocks or ice.
Question 6: When should rescue team members consider the risk of a secondary avalanche and what action should they take?
- Only after all victims are recovered and evacuation begins
- Continuously throughout the rescue; post a lookout and identify escape routes before searching (Correct answer)
- Secondary avalanche risk is negligible once the initial slide has occurred
- Only if snowfall continues during the rescue
Correct answer: Continuously throughout the rescue; post a lookout and identify escape routes before searching
Secondary avalanche risk exists throughout a rescue; a dedicated lookout with a pre-planned alarm signal and escape routes must be established before searching begins.
Question 7: What is the recommended patient position for transporting a hypothermic avalanche victim to evacuation?
- Upright sitting position to ease breathing
- Horizontal with minimal movement to prevent afterdrop and cardiac complications (Correct answer)
- Head-down (Trendelenburg) to improve circulation
- Ambulatory walking if the victim is conscious
Correct answer: Horizontal with minimal movement to prevent afterdrop and cardiac complications
Hypothermic victims should be kept horizontal and handled gently to prevent afterdrop and reduce risk of ventricular fibrillation from cold blood reaching the heart.
ASC Rescue Techniques & Emergency Response 3
Which beacon search method is most effective when a single rescuer is searching for a single buried victim?