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The data are displayed on the buried subject’s trans-
ceiver and also sent across the W-Link radio connec-
tion to the transceivers of the rescuers. Based on the
list of buried subjects, the rescuer decides in which
order he or she will locate and dig them out. Using
vital data as a triage criteria shortens the burial dura-
tion for those subjects having
higher chances of
survival. This improves the overall rescue efficiency.
The vital data do not provide an assessment of
the health of the buried subject. They do not sub-
stitute an assessment by medically trained per-
sonnel (physician).
Only rescuers using a transceiver with a W-Link
radio connection are able to receive vital data.
The range of the W-Link depends on terrain and body
interference, on the physical characteristics of the
avalanche debris as well as on the orientation and
distance to the buried subject.
The range of the W-
Link is therefore limited.
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C o m p a n i o n R e s c u e
7.4
Triage Criteria and Vital Data
7.4.1 Triage
With limited resources (few rescuers) it is not possible
to locate and dig out all the buried subjects at the
same time. The question arises in which order the
buried subjects shall be rescued.
Subjects with high-
er chances of survival should be located and dug
out first.
Besides simple terrain factors, e.g. drop
over a cliff, the burial depth and vital data are an
important triage criteria.
7.4.2 Vital Data Detection
The PULSE Barryvox
®
contains highly sensitive sen-
sors (g-sensor) that can detect slight motion of the
body, such as a pumping heart or breathing lungs.
Any motion within a certain maximum lag time is
interpreted as vital data. The buried subject belongs
to the category
with high chances of survival. It
can be assumed that buried subjects, which have
survived the first 35 min, are still able to breathe (air
pocket), and therefore have increased chances of
survival. At the same time, the detectability of vital
data decreases due to hypothermia. Therefore, buried
subjects who have transmitted vital data for the first
35 min are considered to belong to the category
with high chances of survival for the rest of their bur-
ial duration.
All the buried subjects, whose transceivers are
technically not capable of detecting vital data or
cannot detect any for whatever reason, belong to
the category
with unknown chances of survival.
If you carry the transceiver in a trouser’s pocket,
the detection of vital data is not possible due to
the almost non-existent movements.
