Airborne cellular phone detection for search and rescue now operational in Colorado

Colorado Highland Helicopters (CHH) is now operational with the Lifeseeker system through its partnership with CENTUM research & technology. Lifeseeker allows CHH search and rescue (SAR) helicopters to rapidly detect, locate, and communicate with the cellular phone of a lost or distressed person in the Colorado backcountry, including in areas with no cellular coverage.

CHH is the first and only program in Colorado with airborne cellular SAR capability. Brandon Laird, CHH chief pilot, commented: “We are constantly seeking the best and latest capabilities for SAR. Once we tested the Lifeseeker system, we knew this was an essential asset for our region.”

Dr Tim Durkin, emergency medicine physician, and lead SAR specialist at CHH, added: “During testing, we flew a simulated mission in La Plata Canyon. This is a rugged area with no cellular coverage. Past search efforts there have taken days and not always located the subject. In our tests, we detected and located both subjects in less than two minutes. This capability is transformational to save the lives of lost persons while dramatically reducing risk exposure for SAR responders.”

The Lifeseeker system gives the CHH rescue helicopter the appearance of a tower to any active cellular phone, regardless of model or carrier. The lost person’s phone then affiliates with the Lifeseeker. Once the system connects to the phone, Lifeseeker begins to pinpoint the location of the signal. Lifeseeker also allows CHH rescue team members to communicate with the lost or distressed person with text messages or a voice call.

“The two-way communication capability lets us find out what trouble the person is having and give them instructions that help them participate in their rescue,” said Durkin. Lifeseeker also allows broadcast of alert messages to all phones in the area. This alert capability can notify the public of hazards such as wildfire or to keep a look out for a missing person without any functioning cellular system in the area.

Héctor Estévez, CEO of CENTUM research & technology, concluded: “Our collaboration with CHH reflects our commitment to save lives and improve the efficiency of SAR operations in one of the widest and most mountainous states with significant SAR activity. We are delighted to see Lifeseeker making the difference.”