RECCO

One More Chance

After a multitude of recent avalanche activity, why not double-up on safety?

Atomic's Recco reflector

Transceivers, probes and shovels aren’t going to be replaced anytime soon, but no complementary avalanche equipment has proven quite as successful as the RECCO rescue system. RECCO’s “one more chance” philosophy has landed its electronic transponders in the equipment of the avy savvy and at more than 350 rescue stations worldwide.

Developed in Sweden by Magnus Granhed, the RECCO system consists of passive reflectors worn by skiers, and detectors managed by organized rescue groups. The reflectors, which are small discs made up of diode and a thin copper antenna, are integrated into clothing and ski boots during manufacturing, or bought separatelyand added to equipment.

The system operates on the frequency doubling principle. The detector transmits a directional radar signal. When hitting a reflector, the frequency of the signal is doubled and returned to the detector. When the new signal is received by the detector, the search person receives a tone in their earphones, facilitating an exact localization of the avalanche victim.

For optimum effect, RECCO recommends wearing two reflectors, one on each side of the body. Attach a reflector to each boot or both sides of a helmet. The jacket/pant combination works too.

Born from six generations of research, RECCO’s first model was constructed in 1980 and weighed 16 kg. Swiss rescue teams tested the equipment throughout the 80’s, but RECCO’s first commercial breakthrough came about in 1987 when an avalanche killed 16 soldiers in Norway, prompting NATO to use the technology on a large scale.

RECCO reflectors should never be used to replace traditional avalanche equipment, but with their lightweight, battery-free design, relative permanence and lifelong durability, they offer the best second chance around.

www.recco.com