Professional Avalanche Search & Rescue

Overview:

This course is designed for Professional Ski Patrollers, Search and Rescue Team members, Law Enforcement/EMS/Fire and Mountain Guides. The rescue-driven curriculum builds on the basic skill set introduced in Level 1 & 2 avalanche courses. The majority of this syllabus will focus on the management of both large and small scale organized rescue from the initial deployment of rapid response teams to multi-day, multi-agency operation logistics. The components of this course include self-paced online learning, online conference calls, and field sessions.

Have questions on the pro/rec split? See our pro/rec frequently asked questions page for more details, including a visual of the course progression.

All Upcoming Dates and Locations:

January 30, 2024 - February 2, 2024 - Professional Avalanche Search & Rescue - Crested Butte, Colorado
December 11, 2023 - December 14, 2023 - Professional Avalanche Search & Rescue - Salt Lake City, Utah

This course will cover the following:

Incident Command System in Avalanche Rescue
Scene Safety
Technology updates (including RECCO, Transceivers, Airbags, etc.)
Shoveling and Probing strategies
Resource Management
Victim care and avalanche burial complications
Recent research on avalanche survivability
Snow Anchors & Rigging Specifications (Sked, Rescue Bubble, etc.)
Technical Terrain Management (lowering/raising)
Getting Along and developing relationships between Patrols, Law Enforcement and SAR groups

Prerequisites:

Proof of payment of A3 Pro Course Student Fee

Duration:

Evening Zoom + 4 Field Days

Maximum Ratio:

7:1

Minimum Age:

Course Location	Salt Lake City, UT, Crested Butte, CO

Our travel will be in close proximity to the resort to maximize field time. Snowshoes can be accommodated on this course, but skis with skins, or a splitboard, are preferred. Additional personal required gear is as follows:

Helmet – not required but PPE for rescue will be discussed
Alpine Climbing Harness
2 locking carabiners
2 non-locking carabiners
Auto-block Capable Belay Device
8mm x 30 M ski rope*
60 cm, 120 cm and 180 cm sewn slings
Purcell Prusik system (waist prusik, short Purcell prusik, long Purcell prssik) or 10 meters of 6mm cord, precut into 4.5, 3.5 and 2 Meter lengths to make this system in class
FRS /GMRS radio or compatible*

* – Not required but recommended