ASC Safety Equipment Usage & Risk Management 2

Question 1

When searching for a buried victim with an avalanche transceiver in search mode, what is the correct initial action after switching to receive?

Accepted Answer

Move quickly across the debris field in a systematic grid pattern to acquire a signal

Answer

The first step in a transceiver search is to move rapidly across the debris in a strategic pattern to acquire the signal, then follow signal strength to narrow the location.

Question 2

Which airbag backpack deployment trigger type allows the user to activate the bag with either hand?

Accepted Answer

Ambidextrous pull handle

Answer

Ambidextrous pull handles allow the rider to deploy the airbag with either the right or left hand, improving usability in chaotic avalanche conditions.

Question 3

What is the recommended minimum probe length for avalanche rescue according to most North American safety guidelines?

Accepted Answer

2.4 meters (8 feet)

Answer

Most North American guidelines recommend a minimum probe length of 240 cm (about 8 feet) to reach victims buried at typical depths.

Question 4

During an avalanche airbag deployment, the inflated bag is designed to keep the wearer near the surface through which principle?

Accepted Answer

Inverse segregation, where larger objects rise during granular flow

Answer

Avalanche airbags exploit inverse segregation (the 'Brazil nut effect'), causing larger objects to migrate toward the surface during the turbulent granular flow of an avalanche.

Question 5

What is the primary risk of relying solely on a helmet for avalanche safety?

Accepted Answer

A helmet protects against trauma but does not help survival from burial or asphyxiation

Answer

While helmets reduce head trauma risk, they do not address the primary avalanche mortality cause—asphyxiation from burial—making a transceiver, probe, and shovel essential.

(ASC) Avalanche Safety Certification Practice Test

(ASC) Avalanche Safety Certification Practice Test

ASC Safety Equipment Usage & Risk Management 2