Companion Rescue Skills Training
The companion rescue skills training is a 100% hands-on, one-day course designed to equip outdoor enthusiasts with the skills they need in the event of an avalanche accident. No prior experience is necessary. This course is intended for skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, snowmobilers, and climbers who want to learn, update, or improve their companion rescue skills. This short training course is also an excellent opportunity to review and regularly practice the techniques and skills required to perform a quick and effective rescue in an avalanche situation.
Because only immediate rescue by people already on site can guarantee the best chance of survival!
Course OBJECTIVES
By the end of the course, students should be able to :
- Consider and integrate avalanche accident prevention measures;
- Prioritize the actions to take if you are caught in an avalanche;
- Understand the features of avalanche transceivers;
- Apply companion rescue techniques (self-organized);
- Practice search scenarios without avalanche transceivers ;
- Consider multiple victim searches;
- Organize a group rescue operation ;
- Identify post-accident considerations.
MINIMUM TIME REQUIREMENT
A minimum of seven hours including demonstrations, problem solving, group scenarios and simulations is required.
GEAR
It’s a good idea to check with your course provider to find out what equipment you’ll need to optimize your learning experience. As a general rule, you should bring clothing and equipment to spend time outdoors, and be able to get around in the mountains (if necessary).
Students are required to bring the following equipment:
- Outdoor clothing and boots ;
- Avalanche transceiver (3 antennas strongly recommended) ;
- Telescopic snow shovel ;
- Avalanche probe.
If you don’t have your own avalanche safety kit, many businesses offer them for rental.
ASSESSMENT
There is no final exam. A certificate will be issued at the end of the course to all students who have fulfilled the requirements.
If you have any questions about a specific course (price, date, location, etc.), please contact the course provider directly.
AST1 and AST2 courses are offered regularly, but Companion Rescue and Managing Avalanche Terrain Training courses are less common. If you are interested in these courses, please let the independent course providers know—demand will certainly stimulate supply!
