New technology lets NSR members search for avalanche burial victims from the air

NSR members have received the Barryvox VS 2000 Pro External helicopter based avalance transceiver for use in SAR operations. This unit is suspended below the helicopter and allows the technician to locate a burial victim (who is wearing a transceiver) without ever setting foot on the ground. This technology makes our lives safer in hazardous avi terrain, allows for quicker pin pointing, and reduces overall risk.

Recently members trained with this unit in the Seymour river valley along with pilots from Talon Helicopters and their new AS355 TwinStar Helicopter.



More information can be obtained on this unit at the following links:
http://www.girsberger-elektronik.ch/media/documents/HEA_ADE.pdf

http://www.datasheetarchive.com/datasheet-pdf/012/DSA00204901.html

http://beaconreviews.com/transceivers/Comparison.asp

NS News Safety Tips

A great article by James Weldon from the NS News. 10 important safety tips everyone should read.

http://www2.canada.com/northshorenews/news/sundayfocus/story.html?id=94b4aa0d-0f8a-4994-8bbd-f37a50acddcb&p=1

Snowshoer Killed in Tragic Accident Behind Grouse Mountain

NSR members responded to call for help from 2 stranded snowshoers who's friend had fallen. On arrival the 2 stranded snowshoers were rescued via helicopter, while the fallen snowshoer was attended to by NSR medical personnel. Sadly the fallen snowshoer succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

This incident prompts warning about snowshoing in icy conditions. Make sure you have proper gear for the conditions. If it's icy, this gear should include crampons, ice axe, helmets and ropes. Snowshoe cleats (crampons) are not sufficient in icy conditions, they are not aggressive enough and if you fall your chances of self arresting are greatly reduced. Please read below articles for more information on the incident.

North Shore News - Hiker Dies in Snowshoe Mishap
http://www2.canada.com/northshorenews/news/story.html?id=cf691862-0525-4e93-b318-cee84613274e

North Shore Outlook - Icy Danger Zone
http://www.bclocalnews.com/greater_vancouver/northshoreoutlook/news/78893507.html?period=W&mpStartDate=12-02-2009&

The Vancouver Sun - British long distance runner killed snowshoeing on Vancouver mountain
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Snowshoer+death+prompts+warning+from+North+Shore+Rescue/2310133/story.html

The Province - Snowshoes 'just become a surfboard' on icy North Shore terrain
http://www.theprovince.com/travel/Snowshoes+just+become+surfboard+North+Shore+terrain/2316344/story.html