The odds of surviving an avalanche are much better today than they were four decades ago. This is good news for anyone who enjoys venturing into snowy mountains. A new study published in the journal JAMA Network Open examines avalanche survival records in Switzerland from 1981 to 2020 and reveals a significant increase in survival rates.
While most avalanche deaths are caused by injuries sustained during the avalanche, suffocation, or hypothermia, time is crucial for survival. The study highlights that the majority of survivors were rescued within the first few minutes of being buried. The research shows that the overall survival rate in Switzerland has increased from 43.5% to 53.4% since 1990. This means that about 10 more people out of every 100 affected by avalanches are now surviving.
This improvement can be attributed to advancements in avalanche prediction, rescue techniques, and technology. More reliable methods for predicting avalanches have been developed, allowing for better preparation and risk assessment. Additionally, rescue teams are now equipped with advanced technology, like digital transceivers that broadcast a survivor’s location and wearable radar reflectors that can be detected by handheld devices or even from the air. These technologies allow for faster location and rescue, increasing the chances of survival.
The study also found that organized rescue teams have become significantly faster, with the average rescue time decreasing from 45 minutes to 25 minutes over the past 40 years. This improvement is largely due to better avalanche safety training for outdoor enthusiasts, enabling them to react quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
While these advancements are encouraging, it’s important to remember that the safest approach is to avoid avalanche-prone areas altogether. By carefully reviewing weather forecasts, understanding the avalanche danger scale, and planning routes accordingly, outdoor enthusiasts can minimize their risk. Carrying appropriate safety gear, including an avalanche beacon, shovel, probe, and potentially an avalanche airbag, is also crucial for anyone venturing into avalanche-prone terrain.
The research underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to improve avalanche safety and rescue techniques. With advancements in technology and training, we can continue to make these dangerous events less deadly and give people a better chance of surviving an avalanche.
