Once the buried subject is marked by probing, the rescuers then work together as a shovelling strike team to rapidly exposing the subject’s head and airway and prepare them for extrication. Rescuers must take care to avoid standing on the subject, which can damage or compress their air pocket or chest cavity.
Length.
Width.
Setup and Procedure.
Example of five rescuers, each spaced two shovel lengths apart (left). When the subject is reached, two rescuers move to assist with exposing the subject while the others continue preparing the ramp (right).
Exceptions.
First Contact with the Subject.
Extrication:
First aid is administered as soon as the head is reached (left). Other rescuers continue to prepare for extrication (right).
Common Mistakes.
In order to maximize efficiency, it is important to assign a coordinator to the excavation efforts. Ideally, the coordinator would be removed from the actual excavation so he or she is in a position to direct resources, communicate between shovelers and medical responders, and ensure smooth transitions.