Press release
February 22, 2022
Many Search & Rescue teams in California are equipped with handheld RECCO detectors for avalanche rescue and searching for missing people, but this is the first time the RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector system is operational in the State.
“It is a real milestone to be operational with the RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector System in the State of California. To have such an experienced organization as the California Highway Patrol on board is an honor and we look forward to working with them to improve search and rescue techniques in the outdoors,” says Fredrik Steinwall, CEO at RECCO.
The RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector can quickly search large areas, covering 1 km2 within 6 minutes. Besides shortening search time, the helicopter-based detector can reduce the time and the exposure to risk for rescue workers during search missions.
RECCO rescue reflectors are commonly found in outdoor clothing and equipment, such as backpacks, hiking shoes, and helmets. Other applications include climbing harnesses, where Black Diamond recently presented their first ever equipped Technician RECCO harness. The first hunting brand to integrate RECCO reflectors into their products in 2020 is FORLOH, an American company based in Whitefish, Montana.
Currently there are 27 RECCO SAR Helicopter Detectors globally, with 9 in North America and 18 units deployed across Europe. The latest deployments include Teton County Search and Rescue (USA), Vernon Search & Rescue (CAN) and a RECCO SAR helicopter detector based out of Abruzzo operated by Italy’s CNSAS.
RECCO® advanced rescue technology makes outdoor enthusiasts searchable to rescuers in case of an avalanche accident or when lost in the outdoors. The technology builds on a two-part radar system. Rescuers carry RECCO® detectors that send out search signals which are echoed by RECCO® reflectors, carried by the user. RECCO® detectors are used worldwide at more than 900 ski resorts and mountain rescue organizations in 32 countries. RECCO® reflectors are integrated into select apparel, helmets, protection gear and boots manufactured by more than 150 leading outdoor brands. RECCO AB was founded in 1983 in Sweden and is owned by its founder Magnus Granhed and the publicly traded investment company Traction AB (listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm). More info at recco.com
