Wait for help
If you can’t dig yourself out, don’t waste oxygen on futile movements. Those who are covered with no more than 15 centimetres of snow can get out on their own. For those who are deeper, it is better to stay calm and wait for help.
Make sure that the avalanche beacon is switched on and working. Try to pull your hand to the surface to signal. If you feel the urge to urinate, do so. It will certainly be unpleasant, but the smell of urine will help rescue dogs find you.
Call for help
When you hear that you are being dug up, start talking to the rescuers. Let them know where you are, what is happening to you, and if you have any pain or injuries. This will help them understand more quickly what help you need.
Leave the danger zone
Sometimes there is a danger of a repeat avalanche. If you are out of the snow on your own and there are no rescuers nearby, examine your body for injuries and give yourself first aid if necessary.
Then try to get to the nearest community as soon as possible. Contact a doctor and also inform the local administration that an avalanche has occurred and there may be other people under the snow who need help.
