Proper, coordinated use of your transceiver/shovel/probe provides the best chance of successfully managing an avalanche rescue on your own. You can rescue or be rescued by a member of your group if everyone carries a properly functioning transceiver, shovel, and probe. All three need to be used together, and every member of the group must wear a transceiver and carry a shovel and probe to reduce the time it takes to dig out an avalanche victim.

An avalanche airbag backpack provides an additional margin of safety to the transceiver/shovel/probe trio. An airbag keeps you on the surface of an avalanche by providing added volume to your body. In many cases this helps to avoid being buried. Wearing an avalanche airbag backpack is not a reason to take additional risks, and should be considered as an additional piece of rescue gear.

Carrying snow-safety and rescue gear is mandatory when traveling through avalanche-prone terrain and understanding and knowing how to use your gear is just as important. Not only do you need to know the right rescue techniques, but you should practice them on a regular basis if you want to be efficient and effective in the event of an avalanche accident. In France, ANENA offers courses to teach you how to properly use your gear and perfect your technique.

When choosing a transceiver, you should understand how the device works, its performance characteristics, and its features. Today, most transceivers have three antennas and are digital. This combination of two technologies allows a transceiver to display distance and direction on its screen. The search strip width is a transceiver’s key performance indicator. This width indicates the area scanned by the device during a search. Other device features make the different phases of a search easier (multiple burial search, marking, u-turn, interference management) or improve the ease-of-use (group-check, stand-by, automatic revert-to-transmit).

For novices, we recommend a device with the following features :

• • 3 antennas
• • Digital
• • A search strip width of at least 40m
• • A multiple burial indicator
• • A marking function for multiple victims

For more advanced users, we recommend these additional features.

• • Group check
• • Interference management
• • Revert-to-transmit mode
• • U-turn function

For professional rescuers, the following features are also useful :

• • Analog mode
• • Scrolling function
• • Standby mode

• • Use: more than 60 days/year : Every 2 years
• • Use: less than 60 days/year : Every 3 years

Although servicing is not mandatory, we strongly recommend that you periodically check the condition of your safety equipment, regardless of brand. To increase the frequency of checks, some connected devices can perform stand-alone diagnostics. These are not a substitute for a manufacturer's inspection, carried out by experts equipped with calibrated measuring tools.

To ensure their performance and extend their life, avalanche transceivers require regular maintenance :

• • Check the battery level before each outing, and replace it when it falls below 50% (do not use rechargeable batteries).
• • Avoid shocks
• • Dry your device after each use
• • Store in a dry, temperate place
• • Remove batteries at the end of the winter season
• • Replace with new, good-quality batteries at the start of the season

There are several very important criteria to consider when choosing an airbag.

• • Compressed gas or electric powered. Compressed gas is known for its reliability and easy maintenance day-in and day-out whatever the weather conditions.
• • The trigger mechanism, trigger handle, and cable system. The trigger handle must be quick and easy to grab.
• • Inflation power. 60% of people who have triggered their airbag in real-life conditions pulled on the trigger handle once caught in an avalanche. An airbag needs a considerable amount of power to inflate, especially when beneath the snow
• • Airbag number and positioning. Two airbags provide redundancy in case one is punctured during an avalanche. The positioning of an airbag increases the surface area and boosts your chances of staying on top of an avalanche.
• • An airbag’s volume also plays an important role in pulling your body up or keeping it on the surface of an avalanche. This is the main reason for wearing an airbag backpack.
• • The backpack itself, weight, accessorization, volume, comfort…

• • Every year : ESSENTIAL ARVA CHECKING or self-checking
• • Every 3 years : ARVA PREMIUM CHECKING

Checking is not mandatory, but we strongly recommend that you periodically check the condition of your safety equipment, whatever the brand. The check applies to the airbag system as well as the backpack. In any case, if you've been caught in an avalanche, it's advisable to have your bag checked.

Points to check :

• • Harnessing (straps)
• • Release system (handle)
• • Activation mechanism
• • Sealing system
• • Airbag compartment zips/velcros
• • Condition of airbags: folding, fastening, fabrics