Pull the Trigger!

Failure to pull the trigger is a big problem. Easilly refilled systems allow you to practice or at least pull early without fear of time and a monetary refill penalty if the slide does not propogate. A consequence reduction tool - but only if there are no terrain traps, and trauma will always be an issue. Better to avoid getting avalanched by good planning and choices but a good additional insurance to have on your back.

Clinical Paper

The effectiveness of avalanche airbags ^☆

• Pascal Haegeli^a, b, , , 
• Markus Falk^c, 
• Emily Procter^d, 
• Benjamin Zweifel^e, 
• Frédéric Jarry^f, 
• Spencer Logan^g, 
• Kalle Kronholm^h, 
• Marek Biskupič^i, j, 
• Hermann Brugger^d

Abstract

Aim

Asphyxia is the primary cause of death among avalanche victims. Avalanche airbags can lower mortality by directly reducing grade of burial, the single most important factor for survival. This study aims to provide an updated perspective on the effectiveness of this safety device.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of avalanche accidents involving at least one airbag user between 1994 and 2012 in Austria, Canada, France, Norway, Slovakia, Switzerland and the United States. A multivariate analysis was used to calculate adjusted absolute risk reduction and estimate the effectiveness of airbags on grade of burial and mortality. A univariate analysis was used to examine causes of non-deployment.

Results

Binomial linear regression models showed main effects for airbag use, avalanche size and injuries on critical burial, and for grade of burial, injuries and avalanche size on mortality. The adjusted risk of critical burial is 47% with non-inflated airbags and 20% with inflated airbags. The adjusted mortality is 44% for critically buried victims and 3% for non-critically buried victims. The adjusted absolute mortality reduction for inflated airbags is −11 percentage points (22% to 11%; 95% confidence interval: −4 to −18 percentage points) and adjusted risk ratio is 0.51 (95% confidence interval: 0.29 to 0.72). Overall non-inflation rate is 20%, 60% of which is attributed to deployment failure by the user.

Conclusion

Although the impact on survival is smaller than previously reported, these results confirm the effectiveness of airbags. Non-deployment remains the most considerable limitation to effectiveness. Development of standardized data collection protocols is encouraged to facilitate further research.

Keywords

• Avalanche accidents; 
• Mortality; 
• Safety equipment; 
• Burial prevention

Glencoe Bike Hire and Family Cycling

Route 78 which we link into from the village is proving ever more popular as links are joined.  It must be one of the most scenic in the UK and is so accessible from the various entry points and link cycle paths along its length to Oban.

Looking up the Pass of Glencoe

Beside Loch Achtriochtan in the Pass

Family friendly, with a beautiful smooth surface along most of its length. The views over Lochs Leven, Linnhe and the Firth of Lorn are stunning. Some run out of steam after circumnavigating Loch Leven and others make their way past West to Highland Titles and its paths, or all the way around Port Appin and even Lismore.

Coeffin Castle on Lismore.  Lord of the Rings

Cycling is a great day out for the family on Route 78

I am getting bike hires from quite a few folk getting the early bus up to Glencoe from Buchanan St Glasgow then hiring bikes to explore Glencoe and its local cycle paths up to Clachaig, or orbiting around then down to visit the NHS centre, then travelling down the cycle route, stopping for lunch then coming back to take the evening bus back.

North shore of Loch Linnhe over Corran.  Stunning views

We are really lucky to have such family friendly low cost activities in our area. Bike hire £20 a day and enjoy all the area has to offer.

Tea Shop at a Village Hall for a well earned rest

The Loch Leven circuit by hire bike from Glencoe and you get views like this

Bike Hire to Discover Glencoe

What better way to explore one of Scotlands most famous glens. On the main Citylink bus route it's possible to arrive on the morning bus from Glasgow or Edinburgh and bike all day visiting historic sites or just chilling down the cycle track getting a feel of the landscape and sea. We have geocache treasure hunts and places for families just wanting an easy cycle trip.

CityLink summer timetable

We provide maps of places to visit and know the geography, geology and history of the area very well indeed and can help you find places to go by bike.

Day bike hire from 8.30am until 17.00pm £20.  Half day hire from 13.00 until 17.00 £15

Multi day hire discounts and group discounts for larger groups

Easy trails and paths to Discover Glencoe and surroundings

Ex Hire Bikes for Sale

I have two of these hybrid commuter bikes in dark blue for sale. Serviced and in very good condition these are excellent bikes for the local cycle track as they have bigger road bike size wheels but with robust tyres and a front suspension with disc brakes.  I have an 18 and 16 inch, so his and hers. Full spec here at the Diamondback web site. These are £200 each so £150 off the RRP.  Grab them while you can as bikes like this go quick and I would prefer they went to a local as I will offer a free service and can offer local support to customers needs.

Diamondback Contra 2

Bike Hire

We have some very smart new bikes for hire. All bike hires come with maps of easy paths and trails with places to visit with family friendly routes as well.  Helmets and locks supplied.

Day Hire from 08:30 until 17:00 at £20 per day and half day hires from 13:00 at £15. Multi day hire discounts and family discounts for children by arrangement. Booked bikes held for one hour after pre arranged collection time then re hired unless we are called.

Merida Matts 40D Hire Bikes