EMS Avalanche Rescue System in my jacket?

Question

Hi, I have a question about my jacket. On the side of the sleeve , there is a rectangle sewn into it. On it it says "Recco Avalanche Rescue System. I was just wondering how you activate it. The rectangle is sewn into the jacket so would you have to rip it out to get it to work?

Answer 1

Here is an important part of any avalanche rescue system: someone with you has to have the other part of it.  You have very little time to get dug out before you die, so the people with you need to have the proper equipement and know how to find you.  A transceiver needs a detector and someone who knows how to use it on the other side to work.  

As for your jacket, the thing on your jacket is most likely a reflector, which should not be used as a replacement for a transceiver.  You do not have to activate it.  It is a reflector, and works by reflecting the signal of the Recco detector, not by transmitting any frequency itself.  You need someone with a Recco detector in your group for the transciever to do you any good in the event you get buried by an avalanche.

Answer 2

Recco is a passive detector system. The little things sewn into your jacket and pants will reflect a signal to a rescue team using the Recco locater. You can visit their webpage for more info: http://www.recco.com/startsida/index.asp

You don't do anything to make it work. There is no battery and no buttons. The last thing you want to do is to tear it out of your jacket in the event of an avalanche. Then it could get lost and they will be digging for your body a hundred meters away from where they get a hit on your Recco device.

Recco is used to assist rescuers at large resorts in the event of a massive avalanche that would strike major on-piste areas where regular skiers would not be using an avalanche beacon. It has been around for almost 30 years, but is finally gaining popularity in North America as many clothing designers are placing the devices in their garments now that many US resorts have the system.

Recco should NEVER be the primary form of avalanche detection used by anyone skiing off-piste. Use a transceiver beacon!!!