Researchers have tested a backpack-integrated device that could significantly improve survival rates for people trapped in avalanches. The device, called Safeback SBX, delivers air directly to a buried person’s face, potentially buying rescuers critical time. A recent field trial in Italy demonstrated its effectiveness, showing that participants wearing the device remained buried safely for up to 35 minutes without experiencing dangerous oxygen deprivation.
The Critical Window for Avalanche Survival
Avalanche victims face a harrowing race against time. Within minutes of being buried, blood oxygen levels plummet while carbon dioxide rises, rapidly decreasing the chance of survival. Roughly two-thirds of individuals fully submerged under snow will succumb to oxygen starvation within 35 minutes. This makes swift rescue efforts essential, but even the fastest response can be too late.
How the Safeback SBX Works
The Safeback SBX is a lightweight (1.1 pounds), battery-powered system built into a backpack. A small fan draws air from the surrounding snowpack and channels it through outlets in the shoulder straps, delivering a steady supply of breathable air to the buried person’s face.
Trial Results: Real Device vs. Placebo
The field trial involved burying participants face down in 50 centimeters (1.6 feet) of snow. The results were stark:
- Safeback SBX Group (12 people): All participants remained buried for the full 35 minutes without dropping below a safe oxygen level. One person requested early removal due to minor skin irritation.
- Placebo Group (12 people): Seven were forced to surface early due to dangerously low oxygen. Four others requested an immediate exit, citing shortness of breath or panic attacks. The average burial time in the placebo group was between 5 and 13 minutes.
The Broader Implications
This research highlights a critical gap in avalanche safety: current rescue techniques rely on speed, but the Safeback SBX offers a potential buffer against the physiological effects of burial. The device doesn’t replace the need for rapid recovery, but it could substantially increase the odds of survival while waiting for help to arrive. The study suggests that even a short extension of breathable air can make the difference between life and death in a snow-buried emergency.
