First Due Academy AvalancheEMREMTAEMTParamedic

Avalanche Victim Management — Utah 2025 Protocol

Burial time + air pocket determine resuscitation approach. Updated December 2025.

Steps by Cert Level

ALL: SCENE SAFETY FIRST — secondary avalanche risk. Do not enter debris field without assessment. Request avalanche rescue team.
ALL: <35min burial → likely hypoxia. Treat as standard resuscitation.
ALL: >35min WITH air pocket → possible survival. Apply hypothermic arrest protocol. Transport for rewarming. Do NOT terminate in field.
ALL: >35min WITHOUT air pocket + asystole → consider termination after rewarming in ED, not field.
PARAMEDIC: Core temp <32°C with VF → ECMO rewarming at appropriate facility. Warm IV fluids. Standard ACLS for arrest.