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.
Highlights
Introduction and Epidemiology100 avalanche fatalities are counted per year in Europe [1], while avalanches inflict even higher death tolls in developing countries (e.g., 284 fatalities in South East Anatolia, Turkey in 1992; 135 in Kashmir, Pakistan in 2012) [2], but comprehensive data are missing
Introduction and EpidemiologySnow avalanches are common events in mountainous regions worldwide
In Tyrol, Austria, two-thirds of avalanche accidents occurred on days with hazard grades 2 and
Summary
100 avalanche fatalities are counted per year in Europe [1], while avalanches inflict even higher death tolls in developing countries (e.g., 284 fatalities in South East Anatolia, Turkey in 1992; 135 in Kashmir, Pakistan in 2012) [2], but comprehensive data are missing. Most avalanche accidents occur during recreational activities in the mountains in uncontrolled terrain, while occupational-related avalanche accidents are much less frequent [1,3]. In Tyrol, Austria, two-thirds of avalanche accidents occurred on days with hazard grades 2 (triggering of an avalanche is possible with high additional loads) and. Blunt trauma and secondary injuries will likely become more frequent as terrain roughness is expected to rise and snow cover to become thinner [6]. In this narrative review we give an overview of the pathophysiological aspects and current state-of-the art of on-site treatment of avalanche victims.
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