There is significant news for mountain enthusiasts and extreme sports lovers: scientists have confirmed that a new device, the Safeback SBX, can substantially increase the survival chances of someone caught in an avalanche.
Most avalanche victims die of asphyxiation (suffocation) within the first 35 minutes. The primary purpose of this new device is to extend this critical window of time, allowing rescuers enough time to extract the victim.
It is a little-known fact that snow actually contains air. The Safeback SBX is a compact electronic pump integrated into a backpack. This innovative device extracts oxygen from the surrounding snow and delivers it directly to the individual through a specialized tube.
To prove the device’s effectiveness, an international team from Eurac Research conducted a unique and high-risk experiment. Mountain-climber volunteers participating in the study were completely buried under snow to determine if the device could maintain their vital signs in real-world conditions.
Despite the risk that many participants might require emergency evacuation, the testing proceeded without any complications, thanks to strict medical supervision and safety protocols. The results were truly impressive, as oxygen levels in the participants’ blood did not drop below critical thresholds during the study. The Safeback SBX can continuously deliver 150 liters of air per minute for up to 90 minutes, providing rescuers with precious time to save lives.
Leading medical and rescue institutes from several countries, including Norway, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, collaborated on this large-scale project. However, scientists emphasize that no technology can fully replace safety regulations and caution. Prevention remains the primary tool for mountain survival, while innovations like this serve as an additional, vital safeguard in critical situations.
