Lavaud summited the world’s second highest peak–K2 (Pakistan)–on July 21, 2018. RECCO is working with Lavaud and local rescue teams to expand RECCO technology in the world’s highest mountains.
Stockholm, Sweden – October 18, 2018 – Since fall 2014, RECCO has equipped climbing teams and local rescue teams services in Nepal with RECCO technology to provide more alpinists, sherpas, and guides the opportunity to be found by rescuers. Climbers using the technology are equipped with a RECCO rescue reflector, which in the event of an accident such as avalanche can be located with a RECCO detector used by the rescuers.
Lavaud’s team is always equipped with RECCO reflectors also for the successful July K2 summit in Pakistan. They always bring also a RECCO Detector at the base camp and she train her team for search with first responders.
RECCO reflectors are worn by alpinists, guides, and sherpas on a harness, helmet, or other equipment anywhere in a high mountain environment. In the event of the accident, anyone equipped with RECCO technology becomes searchable with the RECCO detector, which can be transported and operated by foot on the ground and or from a helicopter.
Six RECCO detectors are currently operational in the Nepalese mountains. RECCO detectors can be dispatched from air bases in locations such as Kathmandu and the Annapurna region, or at base camps like Everest, K2, and Dauhlagiri–vastly improving the searchability of alpinists and support teams operating the region.
Every member of Lavaud’s team was equipped with RECCO reflectors for the duration of the K2 expedition and a RECCO detector was strategically placed at high camps in the event of an accident.
Facing an avalanche at high altitude is in many cases fatal and chances of survival for companion rescue are low. However, since the RECCO reflectors are so small and light and can be worn all the time, they provide a base layer of constant searchability, for everyone at high altitude areas. As evidenced by an avalanche which thwarted Lavaud’s 2016 K2 attempt and the 2015 Everest base camp disaster, avalanches can impact anyone in a high altitude environment–whether they are climbing or in a camp.
RECCO is working together with alpinists like Lavaud as well as local agencies across the Himalayas to continuously increase the coverage of the RECCO network and the number of climbers equipped with reflectors, and improve the rescue possibility for high altitude mountaineers and their teams.
Julia Granhed, Assistant Marketing Manager
Tel: +46 (0)70 735 43 07 julia.granhed@recco.com
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 28 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
