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On-Site Medical Management of Avalanche Victims—A Narrative Review

Author

Listed:
  • Simon Rauch

    (Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Via Ipazia 2, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
    Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, “F. Tappeiner” Hospital, 39012 Merano, Italy)

  • Giacomo Strapazzon

    (Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Via Ipazia 2, 39100 Bolzano, Italy)

  • Hermann Brugger

    (Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Via Ipazia 2, 39100 Bolzano, Italy)

Abstract

Avalanche accidents are common in mountain regions and approximately 100 fatalities are counted in Europe each year. The average mortality rate is about 25% and survival chances are mainly determined by the degree and duration of avalanche burial, the patency of the airway, the presence of an air pocket, snow characteristics, and the severity of traumatic injuries. The most common cause of death in completely buried avalanche victims is asphyxia followed by trauma. Hypothermia accounts for a minority of deaths; however, hypothermic cardiac arrest has a favorable prognosis and prolonged resuscitation and extracorporeal rewarming are indicated. In this article, we give an overview on the pathophysiology and on-site management of avalanche victims.

Suggested Citation

  • Simon Rauch & Giacomo Strapazzon & Hermann Brugger, 2021. "On-Site Medical Management of Avalanche Victims—A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-12, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:19:p:10234-:d:645819
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    Cited by:

    1. Manuel Genswein & Darryl Macias & Scott McIntosh & Ingrid Reiweger & Audun Hetland & Peter Paal, 2022. "AvaLife—A New Multi-Disciplinary Approach Supported by Accident and Field Test Data to Optimize Survival Chances in Rescue and First Aid of Avalanche Patients," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-18, April.

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