Situation Survival: Avalanche & Snow Submersion
Have you ever wondered what you would do in an avalanche situation? What if your tractor trailer were to be submerged in the snow? Do you think you have a reasonable survival plan? Learn how to survive the situation here:
Assess the damage. Both to the truck and to yourself. Try to remain as calm as possible, and make sure that you’re uninjured. Try to make some judgements as far as what your orientation is (if you’re upside down, sideways, submerged, etc.), what could be damaged on the vehicle, and if any of those possible damages could be dangerous.
Locate your cellphone and/or CB radio. If you’re injured, call 911 for help right away. If you’re uninjured, call your dispatcher and let them know what’s going on. They may have pointers to help you get out of the situation, or they may be able to send assistance out to you. Remember to be as descriptive as possible when giving your location information so that you can be located as quickly as possible.
Attempt to get out of the situation. If you’ve landed in a position where you can see outside, you’re right side up, you’re certain that you’re nowhere near being halfway submerged, and you think you’ll be able to relocate, try to do so. Turn the truck on if it’s off, and spin the wheels for ten seconds or so. If you haven’t moved – stop trying, spinning the wheels could dig you deeper and make the situation worse.
Mind the engine. If the exhaust system is blocked by snow, the engine needs to be turned off. In the event that the exhaust is blocked Carbon Monoxide (which is an odorless, poisonous gas) could back up into the the cab. If you’re feeling dizzy, getting a headache, or feeling drowsy – immediately shut off the truck. If you’re exhaust is clear, use the heat sparingly to keep yourself warm – but be sure to ration your fuel.
Ration your supplies. Be sure to conserve food and drink. Ration what you have to keep yourself stable for as long as you think it could take for help to arrive. One thing to consider is the expansion of fluids as they melt. It may be in your best interest to drink a little off the top of any beverages that you do have – this will prevent them from expanding so much that they crack or break their containers. In desperate situations, snow can be consumed to keep you hydrated – however keep in mind that snow can lower your body temperature, and may contain contaminants.
Remain calm. Don’t escape or abandon the truck unless it’s absolutely necessary. If help isn’t available, you’re safe, and dry – stay where you are. If you’re wet, and you can’t get the engine to start there is a chance your wet clothes could freeze – at that point you’ll have to weigh sitting and risking hypothermia with trying to get help and facing the same risk.
Try to get the attention of anyone coming your way. If help isn’t on their way you’ll want to use anything you can to get the attention of someone on the road, flash your lights or wave a jacket try to get the attention of anyone passing through. They may be able to call for help, or give you a warm place to sit while you assess the situation at hand.
Try to maintain your sanity. If you’re not it a situation where you can call for help or flag down a passerby, there’s a chance you’ll be there for a day or more. As time passes, it becomes harder to stay rational in a situation like that. Read anything you can – like a driver’s manual to keep your wits about you, and to remain as composed as possible.
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