Comparison of avalanche survival patterns in Canada and Switzerland

Outcome after severe accidental hypothermia in the French Alps: A 10-year review

“…The chance of survival decreases rapidly with the duration of burial under snow, with a survival rate ranging from 4 to 16% after 35 min. 23 Extreme survival situations have also been described in cases of prolonged burial under snow, but again in the absence of asphyxia. 24 In a recent series, none of the 25 patients treated with ECLS survived after hypothermic cardiac arrest following an avalanche accident with no vital signs at extrication.…”

Outcome of avalanche victims with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

“…4 Asphyxia, however, is considered the main underlying pathology for cardiac arrest, while hypothermia is a rare reason for cardiac arrest in avalanche accidents. [5][6][7] With the use of avalanche transceivers many completely buried victims can be extricated from the snow within less than 35 min and resuscitated by bystanders, if necessary. 6,8,9 The outcome of patients presenting with OHCA after short duration of burial (up to 35 min) has not yet been studied.…”

“…In such cases asphyxia or trauma, but not hypothermia, may be the cause of cardiac arrest. 5,6,9,10 The current study evaluated the pre-hospital and in-hospital resuscitation measures and outcome of patients with OHCA in a consecutive series of avalanche victims.…”

Advanced Avalanche Safety Equipment of Backcountry Users: Current Trends and Perceptions

“…Comparisons of avalanche survival in Canada and Switzerland have demonstrated a difference in the prevalence of trauma and regional variations in snow climate. 10 Given the additional factors of varied terrain and regional differences in injury patterns, the applicability of these studies to the participants in this region may be limited.…”