BCC Rescue | Bariloche

METHODOLOGY
Flipped classroom: BCC online classroom (pre-course materials)
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1 in-person classroom session (3 hours)
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1 full field day (8 hours)
Course following the official A3 (American Avalanche Association) Avalanche Rescue curriculum. 73% of the course takes place in the field—well above A3 minimum requirements.

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
– Understand priorities and actions during an avalanche incident—as both a victim and a rescuer.
– Assess scene safety before beginning a search: last seen point, number of victims, and emergency activation.
– Perform a complete avalanche transceiver search—signal search, coarse search, fine search, and pinpoint search—for single and multiple burials within target times.
– Probe accurately using the correct probing pattern, maintaining perpendicular technique and confirming victim contact.
– Apply strategic shoveling (conveyor belt method): select the correct excavation starting point based on slope angle, rotate rescuers efficiently, and perform careful excavation near the victim.
– Organize a search without avalanche transceivers using systematic probe lines.
– Lead and communicate effectively during a rescue by assigning roles, coordinating the team, and managing the group.
– Understand the expected medical issues following excavation (asphyxia, trauma, hypothermia) and the priorities for patient care.
– Know how to activate emergency resources and what to expect from an organized rescue (EMS, helicopter).
– Develop the habit of performing transceiver checks and practicing companion rescue on a regular basis.

COURSE CONTENT

Pre-Course (Online Classroom)

– BCC online classroom: rescue notes, instructional videos, and avalanche safety equipment resources.
– Know your equipment: avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, and complementary safety devices (airbag, RECCO, helmet).

In-Person Class — Rescue Principles, Equipment, and Techniques (3 hours)

– Rescue principles: survival curves and burial times—why the first 15 minutes determine the outcome. Avalanche burial statistics.
– Rescuer safety and scene assessment. Victim response: what to do if you are caught in an avalanche.
– Avalanche transceivers in depth: multi-antenna technology, 457 kHz standard, transmit versus search mode, search phases (signal, coarse, fine), common mistakes, multiple burial management, and marking function.
– Probing: probing pattern, perpendicular technique, and confirmation strike. Strategic shoveling: conveyor belt method, rescuer rotations, and deep burial excavation.
– Complete companion rescue sequence: scene safety, last seen point, role assignment, emergency activation, transceiver search, probing, and shoveling.
– Searches without avalanche transceivers: organized probe-line techniques.
– Medical considerations after excavation and external rescue resources: EMS, Incident Command System (ICS), and basic helicopter rescue operations.
– Field day briefing: logistics, equipment, and gear check.

Field Day — Full Day (8 hours)

– Morning transceiver check and ascent techniques during the approach: kick turns and uphill travel.
– Demonstrations of search phases, fine search, probing patterns, and multiple burial marking.
– Individual practice on 50 × 50 m search areas: single and multiple burial scenarios with timed drills and individual feedback.
– Systematic probing and team strategic shoveling: conveyor belt method, rescuer rotations, and airway access.
– Organized probe-line searches without avalanche transceivers.
– Full rescue scenarios: scene safety, role assignments, rotating leadership, team communication, and structured debrief after every exercise.
– Course wrap-up: limitations of companion rescue, importance of ongoing practice, and the pathway toward comprehensive avalanche education (BCC Level 1).

FIELD LOCATION: Catedral or Cerro López

The field day takes place at either Catedral or Cerro López, with the final location selected according to snow conditions and the group. We choose a safe, open area outside the ski runs where realistic search areas and rescue scenarios can be set up.

The day runs from approximately 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The approach to the practice area is used to review uphill travel techniques (kick turns and transitions), while the remainder of the day is dedicated to intensive rescue practice. Every participant completes multiple search scenarios, participates in team excavations, and practices realistic rescue situations with rotating leadership roles.

This is a single-day course with no overnight stay. Participants carry only a light day pack containing water, lunch, extra clothing, and their avalanche safety kit (transceiver, shovel, and probe). Participants should be comfortable skiing or riding easy backcountry terrain and have the physical fitness required for an 8-hour day of intensive practical exercises—you will spend a lot of time shoveling.

Please note that the practice location may change depending on snow and weather conditions. If the field session takes place at Catedral Ski Resort, a valid day lift ticket is required.