Buy some time if you go
down. In the event of being caught and buried
by an avalanche, BD's AVALUNG II allows
you to effectively breathe air that is naturally
contained in the snow pack while you wait
patiently to be rescued. Key to surviving
an avalanche burial is keeping your airway
and mouth free of snow - which can freeze
quickly - and also creating some "breathing
space". This is accomplished by taking
a big gulp of air (to expand your lungs
and chest) and then inserting the AVALUNGS
mouth piece before you "go down".
Breathing thereafter draws "fresh air"
from the intake manifold (near the front
of your chest) and exhausts Co2 laden gas
out the back (under your arm). This extends
your survival time by reducing carbon dioxide
build up - dramatically increasing the time
your buddies have to search for and rescue
you.
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