Avalanche Rescue

This course is designed to give an understanding of avalanches in New Zealand, the response responsibilities of organisations and individuals, the principles of victim survival and the use of search and rescue resources for avalanche rescue. Content includes the planning, execution and management of avalanche rescue on site as well as operational avalanche rescue skills such as discovering and sifting clues, visual and audio avalanche search techniques, the use of transceivers, probing for survivors and the immediate care of patients recovered.      

Duration:

• Pre-workshop: Consists of reading, exercises and written activities designed to introduce you to the subject of avalanche rescue. This needs to be completed prior to the practical workshop.
• Workshop: Consists of the practical component of the course usually delivered over one evening and two days. Timing is approximately 6pm to 9pm on the first evening and then 8am until 6pm on the following two days.
• Post-workshop: Consists of reflective practice exercises and written activities designed to reinforce and extend the subject of avalanche rescue.

Course recommended for: Rescue personnel active and experienced in the alpine and climbing environments or ski field work.

Please note that ski and/or mountaineering equipment will be required to access a suitable environment.

Prerequisites: A co-requisite is the completion of the CIMS 2 and Avalanche Awareness programmes or their equivalent. Continued participation in an appropriate team to ensure that candidates are able to provide evidence of experiences consistent with the assessment requirements of the programme.

Venue recommendations: Access to classroom type facilities plus access to an area with a good snow base.

Venue hire, participant accommodation and catering are a local cost.

Eligible for NZLSAR subsidy

Equipment requirements: Avalanche Transceiver (457 kHz), Shovel, Probe, Food and water for the day, Head torch, Ice axe or Ski poles, Climbing boots/snow shoes or touring skis & boots, Bivi bag, Closed cell foam mat, Spare jacket or down vest, Sunglasses or goggles, Base layers – Top, bottom, hat and warm jacket, Wet weather jacket and pants (Gortex or similar) and Personal first aid kit.

Course Numbers: minimum 12 and maximum 16

Seen the website, read the flyer, still have some questions?

Email rescue@sarinz.com and someone will be in touch with you asap.