If in place prior to burial, the mouthpiece of the AvaLung reduces likelihood of an ice mask forming around the face and causing asphyxiation. It functions as an artificial air pocket through which air is taken from the surrounding snowpack. This air is then redirected to the user’s mouthpiece via respiratory tubing. The exhaled air is redirected to a different part of the snowpack to minimize CO2 contamination. May buy precious minutes of survival for a buried victim while searchers conduct rescue.

• Easy to carry, put on and use, either with or without a backpack.