Snowpulse SA

The "Life Bag"

Airbags are standard safety features on most automobile models. If they can safe lives in car accidents, Yan Berchten and Pierre-Yves Guernier from Switzerland thought, why not use them in an avalanche? The result is Snowpulse, one of the most innovative avalanche rescue systems in years. The extremely lightweight,150l life bag comes in a backpack and can be triggered by pulling a loop. Within three seconds, Snowpulse inflates and builds a cocoon around the victim's head and shoulders, protecting against secondary avalanches and keeping airways clear. After one minute it deflates to create an air pocket, giving you enough space to breathe. The oxygen cylinders can be refilled after an accident, making the system reusable. What a clever product – but let's just hope you're lucky enough and don't need it.