36 people were ‘buried alive’ for a test to find…

In a unique scientific trial, 36 volunteers were buried alive under snow to test a new device that could extend survival during avalanches.

A team of 36 volunteers took part in a scientific study to test a new device designed to help people survive being trapped in snow after an avalanche. The experiment examined whether the user-worn device could delay oxygen loss and prevent the buildup of carbon dioxide under snow. The study was carefully supervised, and each participant was removed as soon as their vital signs showed any health risk.

Volunteers Participate in Survival Experiment

Scientists buried 36 volunteers under snow in Italy to test a new avalanche survival airflow device. (Eurac Research)

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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The research took place at a field site in Italy between January and March 2023. The device, called the Safeback SBX, was created to draw air from the surrounding snow and direct it to a person’s airways. It functions without the need for external oxygen or a mouthpiece, which sets it apart from traditional systems.

The randomised and blinded trial involved healthy participants aged between 18 and 60. Each volunteer was buried under about 50cm of snow while lying face down, and their health parameters were continuously monitored. They were divided into two groups: one equipped with the Safeback SBX and the other with a non-functional version as a control.

How Safeback SBX works in Avalanche Rescue

The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (via Eurac Research), found a clear difference between the two groups. Participants using the Safeback SBX stayed buried for a median duration of 35 minutes without their oxygen levels falling below 80 percent. In contrast, the control group showed a median survival time of just over six minutes, with several cases of oxygen saturation dropping below safe limits.

Measurements of air composition further supported the device’s effectiveness. The oxygen concentration in the air pockets of those using the Safeback SBX averaged 19.8 percent, compared to 12.4 percent in the control group. Meanwhile, carbon dioxide levels remained much lower at 1.3 percent compared to 6.1 percent in the control group.

Potential Use in Avalanche-Prone Regions

Such technology could prove useful in regions prone to heavy snowfall and avalanches, including parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh. The Safeback SBX may offer trapped individuals valuable extra time until rescuers arrive, which could improve the chances of survival during emergencies in snow-covered areas.