RECCO technology is a vital innovation in the field of rescue in natural environments, being particularly popular among skiers, snowboarders, trail runners, mountain bikers, mountaineers, and outdoor activity enthusiasts. This system was designed to help rescue teams locate people lost or buried in avalanches. In this article, we will explore in detail the functioning, components, applications, and importance of RECCO technology.
Introduction to RECCO Technology
RECCO technology was developed in the 1980s by Swedish inventor Magnus Granhed, after witnessing the difficulty of locating avalanche victims. Granhed, motivated by the tragedy, sought a solution that would significantly improve rescue operations. Since then, RECCO technology has evolved and become a standard in many ski resorts and mountain areas around the world.
How Does RECCO Technology Work?
RECCO technology is based on a simple, but highly effective system that uses passive reflectors and active detectors to locate people in emergency situations.
1. RECCO Reflectors:
- The reflectors are small passive devices, with no battery requirement, that can be integrated into clothing, helmets, boots, backpacks, and other outdoor equipment.
- Each reflector contains two small antennas that, when hit by a radar signal emitted by the RECCO detector, reflect this signal back to the rescue unit.
- The main advantage of reflectors is that they are lightweight, require no maintenance and are always active, ready to be located.
2. RECCO Detectors:
The detectors are portable devices used by rescue teams. They emit a directional radar signal that, when it encounters a RECCO reflector, is reflected back to the detector, allowing rescuers to locate the victim with precision.
There are two main types of RECCO detectors:
- Portable detectors: Used in ground search operations, generally by rescue teams in mountainous regions or ski areas.
- Helicopter-mounted detectors: These detectors allow fast and comprehensive searches over large areas, being especially useful in large-scale operations. One of these pieces of equipment can scan 1 km² in 6 minutes, allowing rescue to be much faster.
RECCO Technology Applications
RECCO technology is widely used in various outdoor activities, including:
1. Skiing, Snowboarding and Mountain Biking
- Many ski resorts incorporate RECCO reflectors in their rental clothing and equipment.
- Rescue teams are frequently equipped with RECCO detectors to locate skiers buried in avalanches. It’s worth remembering that many of these resorts, during summer, become bike parks and end up using RECCO year-round. Of course, it won’t be for avalanche search, but in forest areas, where the victim may be in difficulty.
2. Mountaineering and Climbing
- Alpinists and climbers can integrate RECCO reflectors into their equipment to increase safety during expeditions.
- Climbing equipment, such as helmets and backpacks, frequently come with built-in RECCO reflectors.
3. Hiking, Trekking and Trail Running
- For trails in remote areas, especially where there is risk of landslides or avalanches, RECCO reflectors can be a vital component of safety equipment.
- In forests, the RECCO system also works. A helicopter flying over the forest will often easily locate the lost or injured person. Even in dense forest locations, where GPS equipment may have difficulty transmitting the signal to the satellite, RECCO becomes very useful.
Brands that use RECCO reflectors
Several renowned brands incorporate RECCO reflectors in their products to ensure greater safety for their users. Some examples include:
- CamelBak: The Apex PRO trail run backpack comes equipped with a RECCO reflector, providing an additional layer of safety for trail runners.
- The North Face: Many snow jackets from this brand include RECCO reflectors, making it a popular choice among skiers and snowboarders.
- Dachstein: Some boots from the Austrian brand are also equipped with RECCO reflectors, offering additional protection for adventurers on rough terrain.
- Helly Hansen: Known for its line of winter sports clothing, Helly Hansen incorporates RECCO reflectors in its snow jackets and pants.
- POC: The Swedish brand of bike and winter sports helmets brings some of its models with RECCO reflectors already integrated.
RECCO Technology in your backpack or helmet
As a passive equipment, the reflector does not require the person to press any button. Even if your equipment is not equipped with a RECCO reflector, they can be purchased separately in 3 different forms: for helmet attachment, for backpack attachment and integrated in a belt.
Importance of RECCO Technology
The main importance of RECCO technology lies in its ability to save lives. The speed with which a victim can be located after an avalanche or other accident is crucial for survival. Here are some key points about the importance of this technology:
1. Fast and precise location
- RECCO technology allows rescue teams to quickly locate buried individuals, significantly increasing chances of survival.
- Helicopter-mounted detectors can scan 1 km² in just 6 minutes, allowing large search areas to be covered quickly and efficiently. This is especially important in emergency situations where every second counts.
2. Always active
- Unlike other safety devices that depend on batteries, RECCO reflectors are always active and ready for use, without the need for manual activation.
3. Complementarity with other systems
- RECCO technology is frequently used in conjunction with other safety devices, such as avalanche beacons and personal satellite trackers (SPOT or Garmin InReach), providing an additional layer of safety.
4. Global coverage
- With more than 900 ski resorts, rescue units and helicopter services equipped with RECCO detectors worldwide, the technology offers a wide safety net for adventurers in various regions.
In the video below, you can see how a search and rescue mission works, using a helicopter with RECCO detector:
My experience with RECCO Technology
I have known RECCO technology for many years and have used various equipment with the built-in reflector, such as a Dachstein boot, a Patagonia jacket and Helly Hansen pants. However, I decided to acquire separate reflectors to attach to backpacks. This way, whenever I do activities in places where rescue teams use this technology, I carry a RECCO reflector attached to my backpack. However, I don’t give up using a personal satellite tracking device as well, such as SPOT.
At Gear Tips we have a lot of content about SPOT devices, including the free online course Safety and Communication via SPOT at Gear Tips Academy.
Conclusion
RECCO technology is an essential tool for safety in outdoor activities, especially in high-risk environments such as ski areas and mountains. Its simplicity, effectiveness, and reliability make it a popular choice among equipment manufacturers and rescue teams. Incorporating RECCO reflectors in your outdoor equipment can be the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. Therefore, when planning your next adventures, consider the importance of being equipped with RECCO technology to ensure your safety and peace of mind.
To learn more about this technology, visit the RECCO website.
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