Sophie Lavaud has successfully climbed the world’s second highest peak, K2.
RECCO is working with Lavaud and local rescue teams to expand their technology in the world’s highest mountains.
Since autumn 2014, RECCO has equipped climbing teams and local rescue teams services in Nepal with their 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.
RECCO reflectors are worn on a harness, helmet or other equipment anywhere in a high mountain environment. In the event of an accident, anyone equipped with RECCO technology becomes searchable with the RECCO detector, which can be transported and operated, by foot, on the ground or from a helicopter.
Six RECCO detectors are currently being operated 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.
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.
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, the number of climbers equipped with reflectors and improve the rescue possibility for high altitude mountaineers and their teams.
