North Shore Rescue makes milestone rescue with game-changing technology
A missing ebiker on Vancouver Island is safe thanks to a breakthrough moment for North Shore Rescue (NSR) and its brand-new LifeSeeker technology.
On Friday morning, NSR was called to help Nanaimo Search and Rescue and nearby Island teams after the man had been missing overnight.
The search was considered urgent, and crews knew time mattered.
That’s when NSR deployed its helicopter-mounted LifeSeeker device for the first time in the field.
The unit works like a portable cell tower, allowing rescuers to detect and locate active phones in places where there’s no regular service.
Four models of LifeSeeker technology, including the Mini, SAR, and SAR XL series, which act as portable cell towers to help locate missing people. (dronesolutionservices.com)
Within minutes of scanning the area, the system locked onto the man’s cell phone.
A helicopter team was able to land close by, reach him, and fly him out for care. NSR said in a Facebook post that he was “very happy to see rescuers.”
Aerial view of the area on Vancouver Island where North Shore Rescue used LifeSeeker technology to locate a missing ebiker. (North Shore Rescue/Facebook)
“This marks our first real operational deployment — and our first success — with the LifeSeeker,” the team said in a post on Facebook.
“It’s the first of its kind find for a volunteer SAR team in B.C., and perhaps in Canada.”
Years of effort behind the moment
The rescue is the payoff of years of behind-the-scenes work.
NSR said in the post that the LifeSeeker became possible thanks to countless volunteer hours, engineering know-how, and support from the community.
The Rotary Club of West Vancouver Sunrise and its Rotary Ride for Rescue fundraiser provided critical funding, along with donations from locals.
Talon Helicopters pilots and engineers helped adapt the system for use on their aircraft.
“This was a huge team effort, and we couldn’t have done it without the community, our partners, and the dedication of our members,” NSR added.
For the missing man, the rescue meant a safe return. And for NSR, it marked the beginning of a new era in search and rescue.
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