Victims Of Avalanche Can Be Located More Quickly, Increasing Chances For Survival

Drones are making it easier for rescuers to locate skiers and others who may have been caught in an avalanche in remote areas increasing the chances for survival up to 50 percent, according to some mountain rescue services in Europe.

The BBC reports that drones can scan a large avalanche site much more quickly than a person on foot or skis. Statistics indicate that a person buried in an avalanche has a 90 percent chance of survival if they are dug out in 15 minutes. But that survival rate drops to about 20 percent if the person is under the snow for more than 45 minutes.

Many skiers in remote areas use a device called an avalanche transceiver, which works much like the ELTs that we're familiar with. They can be switched to receive mode, which allows those skiing with a person who has been buried to locate their fellow skiers more quickly.

According to the report, the Czech Mountain Rescue Service uses a Robodrone Kingfisher aircraft equipped with cameras and an avalanche transceiver to locate buried skiers. But for skiers who do not carry such a device, aircraft that carry thermal and multispectral systems can help locate avalanche victims, as well as those trapped by mudslides or under rubble.

Roland Georges, president of the high mountain guides office in the French resort of Courchevel, told the BBC that drones could become a vital tool for rescuers and guides who head into remote areas. He said it is possible that they could become part of a guide's standard kit in the not-too-distant future.

(Image provided by Robodrone)

FMI: Source report