KATHMANDU, JANUARY 21

A five-day search and rescue course using RECCO devices consisting of different levels was completed today. The training aims to educate Nepalese mountaineering professionals about the effectiveness of the RECCO technology in different terrains of Nepal and to spread the message that the Nepalese Himalayas are safer than before, as Nepalese mountaineering professionals are not only physically strong but are also capable of operating any type of search and rescue operation in Nepal,' said Ang Norbu Sherpa, President of Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA).

With the slogan 'Be Searchable,' RECCO is a global brand of search and rescue technology. The system is based on a harmonic radar system and is composed of a detector and a passive reflector (means no battery) integrated into outdoor clothing and gear. On December 30, 1973, Magnus Granhed, the founder of RECCO, witnessed a severe avalanche in Are, Sweden, where his beloved friend lost his life. Due to the lack of modern rescue technology, dogs were used to sniff the accident site to find victims. He thought it could be more efficient and result-oriented if they had such a search device. As a result, RECCO was founded in 1983 and later endorsed in Nepal in 2012 after a massive avalanche hit Mt Manaslu killing some French mountaineers. After the incident, RECCO devices became hugely popular among Nepalese mountain professionals.

According to NNMGA, there are three levels of RECCO training: Basic, Advanced, and Instructor. Within the 5-day schedule, each level of the RECCO course was successfully conducted in different locations of Nepal. On January 17 and 18, 2 days of Basic Courses were conducted for mountaineering professionals who work as expedition assistant level in Nepal. The course was conducted at Jagadol, Kathmandu, with around 120 mountaineering professionals from various expedition companies in Nepal. Coordinated by NNMGA, Sophie Lavaud (Switzerland's RECCO ambassador for Nepal, famous mountaineer how completed 12 8000ers), Matthias Hofer (Italy, IFMGA Guide, Mountaineering Instructor and RECCO Instructor) and IFMGA/NNMGA guides Ang Norbu Sherpa, Tul Singh Gurung, Lam Babu Sherpa, and Lakpa Sherpa were involved as course facilitators.

On January 19, a team of RECCO experts flew to Na, Dolakha, in a helicopter to conduct the Advanced RECCO training for Aspirant guide trainees. Sophie, Matthias, and Ang Norbu Sherpa were on board as course facilitators.

Finally, on January 20 and 21, the RECCO Instructor level course was successfully conducted for 25 IFMGA/NNMGA certified mountain guides of Nepal at Kakani, Nuwakot. Sophie, Matthias, Ang Norbu Sherpa & helicopter captains Siddharth Gurung and Bimal Sharma Sapkota from Simrik Air were involved as course facilitators.

After the completion of the RECCO courses for different levels, Nepal has added more skilled manpower in the mountaineering sector. 'To date, we have 8 RECCO instructors in Nepal,' said Sherpa. The training was jointly conducted by the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA) and with the moral, technical, and financial assistance of RECCO, Sweden.

Currently, there are 10 RECCO detectors in Nepal. During each mountaineering season, these detectors are distributed to different mountain base camps for quick response in case of an emergency. So, mountaineers are requested to equip themselves, their teams and clients with RECCO reflectors for proper search and rescue operations during any emergency. You can buy reflectors from Nepal National Mountain Guide Association as well as from Everest Outfit shop in Thamel. For your and your client's safety, 'BE SEARCHABLE.' www.recco.com