Search locator device trialled successfully
Wakatipu Land Search and Rescue volunteers successfully trialled a RECCO detector device from a helicopter over the lower rocky outcrops of The Remarkables earlier this week, offering new hope to those needing rescued in the backcountry locally.
Volunteer Johnny Franklin says the RECCO system is more widely used in the likes of Europe and North America. Its reflectors are imbedded in outdoor clothing and equipment.
“People can buy gear locally that has RECCO imbedded. It’s passive and doesn’t need a battery, charging, or any maintenance,” Franklin says. “It’s possible to purchase a device separately too and attach it into clothing, jackets or equipment like packs.
“We have one of these detector devices available in the South Island and one in the North Island now,” Franklin says. “They’re really helpful if a person is missing in bush or snow, or other difficult terrain, and the missing person doesn’t have to have a reflector to be found, although it definitely helps,” he says.
It can also pick up a return signal from electronic devices, whatever their state.
“It’s capable of detecting other incidental electronics like mobile phones, personal locator beacons, head torches, even if they’re not activated, are switched off or flat.”
Franklin says the Wakatipu searchers are hoping it will be useful in this region for finding those missing who are carrying electronics.
“Some electronics are more detectable than others, but less effective than a RECCO reflector,” he says. “We may be able to detect a reflection from a torch or a mobile phone, but it’s less likely.”
RECCO detectors have been around for about 40 years, historically used in avalanche searches. “The helicopter detector makes it useful for wide area searching, and still has a valuable place in avalanche response, but can also be used outside of a snow environment.
“The capability of these devices is improving in NZ. Historically a handheld receiver has been used in avalanche searches here, but it’s not been so applicable in wider searches,” Franklin says. “The manufacturers have realised this and recently provided the two helicopter-borne RECCO detecting systems for NZ use.
“We’re hoping people will now look for clothing that features these devices,” he says. “If you have a RECCO receiver it makes it easier for us to respond.”
