Avalanches: User-carried safety device can increase survival time fivefold

When the Norwegian company that manufactures the Safeback SBX device, which is already on the market, approached Eurac Research to have it independently tested, it was clear that the international research team led by physician and researcher Giacomo Strapazzon would publish the results of the study in any case, regardless of the outcome.

For the researchers, the experiment posed a significant challenge, as many participants were completely buried in snow, raising concerns that over two-thirds might require urgent excavation. The volunteer group—composed entirely of enthusiastic ski mountaineers, roughly half of them women—ranged from 23 to 54 years in age. Despite the demanding conditions, the study was conducted under strict monitoring and safety protocols, and everything proceeded smoothly.

Ahead of the coming winter season, after careful analysis and verification, the results of these extreme tests are being published and offer reassurance for all mountain enthusiasts.

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