Safety Devices Can Be Lifesaving During Avalanche Burial

Background: Burial with snow due to an avalanche usually causes death in ≤35 minutes. Safety devices (SDs) previously developed have not proven successful. Devices that can enhance air flow during this time are needed to increase survival and possible rescue of those individuals. Objective: To evaluate a new safety apparatus for use by persons in snow avalanche zones to deliver airflow to the victim without extraneous oxygen or airway devices. The apparatus tested was designed to draw air with a battery-operated fan through the backpack and direct it at the individual’s face. Design: Blinded, randomized clinical trial, with 4 participating institutions and 1 field location in Italy. Participants/Methods: Volunteers were aged 18 to 60 years and in good health. Vital parameters were monitored, and the subjects were buried in a prone position with ≥50 cm of snow. Volunteers were randomized into 2 groups, one with the SD and other with a sham device (SH). The principal quanti more...