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Companion Rescue

Fine Search

Now it's time to slow down. The fine search requires careful and precise movements. Being accurate at this phase will make your probe search more effective.

Use a systematic bracketing pattern to find the closest point to the victim. Keep the transceiver steady. Don't change its orientation or its distance from the debris surface.

Only one person should perform the fine search; others should assemble probes and shovels. The video and images on this page demonstrate how to perform a fine search. When you're as close as possible, mark the spot well and start the next phase of the companion rescue.

Backcountry Learning

Tap or hover over the icons to find out more.

Diagram shows how to conduct a fine search with a transceiverIf the numbers on your screen increase, stop and reverse your direction. Move with your transceiver carefully back to your lowest reading. Continue with a systematic bracketing pattern to find the lowest possible reading. A marker on the map: If the numbers on your screen increase, stop and reverse your direction. Move with your transceiver carefully back to your lowest reading. Continue with a systematic bracketing pattern to find the lowest possible reading.  Keep on moving the transceiver in the same direction if the numbers are decreasing. A marker on the map: Keep on moving the transceiver in the same direction if the numbers are decreasing.Once you have determined the lowest distance reading, mark this location and call for a probe. A marker on the map: Once you have determined the lowest distance reading, mark this location and call for a probe. Move your transceiver slowly throughout the fine search. This will improve your accuracy and save time in the long run. A marker on the map: Move your transceiver slowly throughout the fine search. This will improve your accuracy and save time in the long run.Do not rotate your transceiver. Keep your transceiver facing the same direction throughout the fine search. Once you're close to the signal, rotating the transceiver will alter your distance readings. A marker on the map: Do not rotate your transceiver. Keep your transceiver facing the same direction throughout the fine search. Once you're close to the signal, rotating the transceiver will alter your distance readings.Hold your transceiver at a constant distance from the snow. Any changes in height will affect your distance readings and your accuracy. A marker on the map: Hold your transceiver at a constant distance from the snow. Any changes in height will affect your distance readings and your accuracy.
Backcountry Learning

See the fine search in action.

Backcountry Learning