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Wilderness Medicine Updates

Fast Push #1 - Beacon Interference

Feb 9, 2023
This installment dives into the crucial topic of avalanche beacon interference. It highlights how electronics and certain clothing materials can disrupt beacon signals, providing essential distance guidelines for safe use. Learn that radios and cell phones must be kept at least 50 centimeters away during searches. The discussion emphasizes the imperative of understanding these nuances for safer backcountry experiences. Tune in for this timely advice that could make all the difference in avalanche safety!
08:22

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Quick takeaways

  • Electronics like cell phones and GPS devices must be kept at least 20 cm away from avalanche beacons to function effectively.
  • The 20-50 rule highlights the importance of distancing electronic devices from beacons to ensure successful search and rescue operations.

Deep dives

Understanding Transceiver Interference

Electronics increasingly accompany outdoor enthusiasts in the backcountry, raising concerns about their interference with avalanche beacons. Devices such as GPS watches, cell phones, heated clothing, and even snowmobiles produce electromagnetic fields that can disrupt the functioning of beacons. This interference can pose serious risks when rescuers attempt to locate a buried individual, particularly if the beacon is stored in proximity to these devices. The clarity of signal transmission is crucial before entering the backcountry and during search operations, as any interference could hinder rescue efforts significantly.

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