Item: Terrestrial and Helicopter Based Recco Search
-
-
Title: Terrestrial and Helicopter Based Recco Search
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2014 Proceedings, Banff, Canada
Authors:
- Manuel Genswein [ Genswein, Meilen, Switzerland ]
Date: 2014-09-29
Abstract: Since its introduction in 1983, the harmonic radar based Recco search system was applied in numerous rescue missions and saved many lives of people caught in avalanche. Search units are available in organized rescue, rescue helicopters, armed and police forces, ski patrol, mining operations etc. For a fast an efficient Recco search, it is indispensable to follow a strict protocol to achieve a high probability of detection and avoid interference by other rescuers. The analysis of failed Recco searches, often resulting in lack of trust in the search device, has shown the need for an update of the search protocol and course curriculum for terrestrial and helicopter based Recco searches. In a first step, the search characteristics of the current R9 device have been verified in several field trials. Based on the technical characteristics of the device, a most optimal search strategy has been defined. As for other electronic search devices, interference issues have become a major issue resulting in searches being disturbed or even unsuccessful. Many reflections leading to "false positives" in Recco searches are caused by the rescuer himself or the rescue helicopter. It is therefore an integral part of the new search protocol to verify at the start of every search that there are no interfering reflections.
Object ID: ISSW14_paper_P4.03.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: Avalanche Rescue, Harmonic Radar, Recco Search Strategy
Page Number(s): 2052-2056
-