Things You'll Need:
- VHF Radios
- Walkie-talkies
- First Aid Kits
- Avalanche Beacon
- Avalanche Probe
- Sports Referee Whistles
- Walkie-talkies
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Step 1
Establish that somebody is missing - presumably buried by an avalanche, trapped in a tree well or stuck in a hole somewhere.
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Step 2
Look first for lost clothing or gear. Your search area will most likely be immediately uphill or downhill from the lost equipment.
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Step 3
Have everyone in the search party turn their avalanche beacons to the "receive" or "seek" or "search" position. Double-check that they are in the correct position.
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Step 4
Set the signal strength on the longest distance available.
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Step 5
Hold the avalanche beacon low and parallel to the ground while moving it from side to side in an arc.
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Step 6
Watch the beacon light and listen to the beep. When the light reaches its brightest and the beep is loudest, change your signal strength to the next-lowest distance.
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Step 7
Move in the direction where you're receiving the strongest signal and continue to shorten the distance on the search indicator until you are on the lowest setting (about 1 to 2 meters).
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Step 8
Break out the avalanche probe from the emergency pack and begin softly probing the area where you have the strongest signal on your lowest setting.
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Step 9
Dig with your hands until you find your victim.
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Step 10
Turn your victim's beacon to the "receive" or "seek" or "search" mode as soon as you recover him or her.
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Step 11
Leave someone to care for the victim and continue searching for any others missing.
