MEMBERS of Terrace Search and Rescue spent a recent weekend earning avalanche rescue skills and techniques.
The Organized Avalanche Response Team Member course provides participants with the skills necessary to safely respond to avalanche incidents as part of an inter-agency team in potentially unstable terrains, reports Dwayne Shepherd, one of the lead volunteers with Terrace Search and Rescue who also acts as a training officer.
"The course focuses on avalanche characteristics; awareness skills, safe travel, organizational structure and team work in both classroom and field settings," he said.
"Techniques for beacon use and probing are also covered for an organized response setting. The course is intended for SAR volunteers who will respond in potentially unstable terrain."
Deaths caused by avalanches have heightened the need for people to be more aware of their surroundings and to also be better equipped to deal with emergencies.