Avalanches are a terrifying natural disaster, leaving little time for those trapped beneath the snow. A novel safety device shows promising results in extending survival time and improving rescue odds, according to recent clinical trial findings published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. This device offers a potential lifeline for backcountry skiers, snowboarders, and anyone at risk of being caught in an avalanche.
The Challenge of Survival Under Snow
When buried in an avalanche, individuals face a critical race against time. Oxygen levels quickly plummet, and carbon dioxide levels rise, drastically reducing the chance of survival. After just 10 minutes, the odds of survival begin to diminish rapidly. Currently, about two-thirds of individuals whose head and chest are trapped under snow will succumb to oxygen deprivation within 35 minutes. Understanding the urgency of this situation underscores the importance of innovations that can extend these precious minutes.
How the Safeback SBX Works
The new device, called the Safeback SBX, is integrated into a standard backpack and utilizes a relatively simple yet effective mechanism. A small fan draws air from the surrounding snow and channels it to the wearer’s face through outlets in the shoulder straps. This ingenious design circumvents the problem of snow packing around the face, a common cause of suffocation during avalanches. Weighing just over 500 grams (approximately one pound), the battery-powered device is lightweight and easy to carry.
Clinical Trial Results: A Significant Difference
To assess the device’s effectiveness, researchers conducted a controlled trial involving volunteers in northern Italy. Participants were intentionally buried face-down under at least 50 centimeters (roughly 1.6 feet) of snow, with the goal of remaining buried for 35 minutes.
The results clearly demonstrated a significant advantage for those using the Safeback SBX. Of the 12 participants equipped with a functioning device, none needed to be removed early due to dangerously low blood oxygen levels (below 80 percent). Eleven remained buried for the full 35 minutes, while one requested an early exit due to unexpected skin irritation.
In stark contrast, the 12 participants using a sham (non-functional) device experienced significantly more difficulties. Seven had to stop prematurely because their blood oxygen levels fell below the critical threshold. Another four requested an early exit, citing shortness of breath and, in one case, a panic attack. The average burial time for the sham device group was substantially shorter, ranging from five to 13 minutes, with only one individual able to remain buried for the full 35 minutes.
What This Means for Avalanche Safety
This clinical trial offers compelling evidence that the Safeback SBX can significantly improve survival rates in avalanche incidents. By providing a continuous supply of air to the buried individual’s face, the device mitigates the risks of oxygen deprivation and buys valuable time for rescue teams to locate and extract the victim. The device’s compact design and reasonable weight make it a practical addition to avalanche safety gear, potentially saving lives in a high-risk environment. Further research may explore different snow conditions and user demographics to refine the device’s performance and broaden its applicability
