Avalanche Manikin RLNAV

The avalanche manikin was developed after a request from Scottish Mountain Rescue. Our standard manikins were too heavy to be able to carry up a mountain to set a training scenario for body recovery following an avalanche so we were asked if we were able to create something that would fit their brief.

We are pleased to say that this has been achieved and the Avalanche manikin is the result.

The manikin is made from the same flame retardant Polyester used in Police ballistic/stab vests, which typically has 4 times the strength and abrasion resistance of P.V.C (the materials previously used) and is filled with foam to give the bulk and firmness of a body whilst being lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. The manikin also comes complete with a backpack that enables the manikin to be folded in half and easily transported.

We have now integrated RECCO® reflectors into the Avalanche manikin to make it the only Avalanche Training Manikin in the world to utilise this rescue system. The RECCO® reflector  makes an avalanche victim searchable to professional rescuers. It is a complement to a transceiver and RECCO® detectors are used by rescue teams in over 800 ski resorts worldwide. For more information visit www.recco.com.
 

Features & benefits

• Light weight at only 11Kg for ease of transportation
• ‘Spongy resistance’ when probing for realism
• Secure pockets to protect the electronic transceiver when probing
• Life-like facial features with mouth cavity to check for obstructions
• Water resistant and non-absorbant to reduce drying time after exercises.

Who uses them?

• Currently used by Mountain Rescue teams across Europe.
• Regularly exported to rescue professionals in 13 countries worldwide, with the USA, France, Switzerland and Germany being big markets for us.
• Ruth Lee Training Manikins article on Scottish Mountain Rescue website

Available in just the one weight and size complete with backpack

The Ruth Lee Avalanche Manikin (RLNAV) is purpose-built for avalanche rescue training, allowing mountain rescue teams, ski patrols, and search and rescue units to conduct highly realistic recovery exercises in snow-covered environments. This manikin simulates a fully buried casualty and is compatible with avalanche transceivers and RECCO reflectors for search and location drills.

Constructed from durable, water-resistant materials, the RLANV manikin can be buried repeatedly in snow or debris without damage. It features accurate weight distribution and flexible joints, enabling lifelike handling during extraction and casualty care training. The manikin is also designed to be visible on avalanche probes, allowing teams to practice effective probing techniques before recovery.

Key features include:

• Designed for realistic avalanche recovery scenarios

• Compatible with avalanche beacons and RECCO reflectors

• Flexible limbs and lifelike weight distribution for authentic handling

• Durable, water-resistant materials for repeated snow burial

• Probe-detectable structure for training in full recovery workflows

The Avalanche Manikin RLANV helps rescue teams build confidence and competence in time-critical avalanche response, improving search efficiency and casualty management in extreme alpine conditions.