Rescue Radar™ is a unique GPR technology-based instrument for Search and Rescue (SAR) at disaster scenes. Rescue Radar™ can detect subtle movement under rubble (even breathing) and complements other SAR technologies. This article highlights some stories about its usage from Sensors & Software’s main distributor in Asia.
Of all the GPR products that Sensors & Software manufactures, Rescue Radar™ is unique. All other GPR systems move across a motionless target, such as a cable, pipe, rebar, or archaeological artifact (Figure 1). Only Rescue Radar™ does the opposite, sitting motionless, while scanning the subsurface to detect a moving target (Figure 2). Unlike all other GPR systems, Rescue Radar™ is designed to detect the subtle changes associated with something moving in the subsurface – a leg, an arm, a hand, a person’s chest moving while breathing.
Rescue Radar™ is a turn-key system for use in search and rescue (SAR) operations. It consists of a highly sensitive receiver coupled with advanced, real-time data processing to detect signal changes associated with movement. Rescue Radar™ is sensitive enough to detect subtle movements, such as an unconscious person breathing, and report the distance from the device.
For SAR equipment, the effectiveness of a particular technology varies with the site conditions, for example, acoustic instruments are not as effective at a site with high ambient noise. GPR’s effectiveness varies with the composition of the material being scanned. For example, large sheets of metal, thick concrete and clay soil affects the depth of penetration and the sensitivity of the system. When used in a suitable situation, Rescue Radar™ supplements traditional search methods and enhances the rescue efforts, which ultimately can result in saving lives.
Rescue Radar™ (Figure 3) has been deployed at catastrophes around the world for more than a decade to detect victims buried in snow, soil, rubble, and other debris.
Wellcrown International Resources Ltd. of Malaysia and China has been distributing Rescue Radar™ product in Asia since it was first introduced in 2011. Since that time, they have on their website (https://wellcrowninternational.com/) documented an impressive list of stories and links about Rescue Radar™. Some examples are as follows:
Shenzhen Landslide – 2015
On 20 December 2015, a pile of construction waste stored on a hillside, slid down in an avalanche of mud and debris, destroying 33 buildings and covering an area greater than ten hectares (25 acres). According to the Chinese Ministry of Land and Resources, the landslide occurred after a 20-storey-high mountain of dumped earth and construction waste collapsed. The final death toll was 73 people.
Chinese authorities had over 2,906 rescue personnel, including about 800 from the defense forces, excavating dirt and rubble. More than 1,500 emergency rescuers were involved in the search for people trapped under the mud; seven people were rescued. Source: Wikipedia.
One of the people rescued had been buried for 67 hours and was located with the assistance of Rescue Radar™. He had been living on seeds and fruit that had been buried with him.
