A person who becomes buried under sand may die quickly from asphyxiation. In some ways the situation is similar to burial in an avalanche, but the weight of sand compresses the chest, making breathing difficult if not impossible.
Situations in which a person may become entrapped and buried:
(1) deep hole or cave dug in the sand
(2) tunnel in sand
(3) large sand dune that avalanches
The wall of sand may collapse after it is disturbed (often by jumping, running or other activity) or it may occur suddenly with no apparent cause.
Risk factors for an adverse outcome:
(1) event unwitnessed
(2) burial under a large amount of sand
(3) intoxication in an adult
(4) small child
(5) complete burial of head, arms and chest
(6) being knocked unconscious
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
