photo credit: Paulington P. Zombiekill
Although we are not at risk of avalanches the magnitude of what is experienced overseas, whether you ski alone or in a group, it is always advisable to take a mobile phone with you when skiing. In the unlikely case that you become lost or suffer an injury, a mobile phone may prove to be a vital life line. Telecommunications coverage is widespread these days. Optus and Telstra cover up to 98% of Australia’s population, so theres a high chance that you’ll be in range to make that emergency call. Most mobile phones these days even come with inbuilt GPS, which would make the job to locate you that much easier.
A 44 year old Austrian skier trapped under collapsed snow in far western Austria was saved when he made a call from his mobile phone.
The man went skiing at Golm near Tschagguns despite most of Austria being on a level 5 avalanche alert. When the snow he was skiing on gave way, he was carried several meters and buried under 20 cms of snow. He was fortunate that a cavity was able to allow him to breathe and the skier could locate his mobile phone to call for help.
Not long after the phone call, rescuers were able to locate the man who had his hand protruding from the snow.
The skiier suffered a fractured shin bone and a torn ligament.
(Via Times Of India)
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