New system to help in backcountry rescue missions

An anonymous Wyoming resident has fronted more than $100,000 to Teton County Search and Rescue to help purchase a system to help find people lost or injured in remote areas with no cellphone service.

The Jackson Hole News and Guide reports the device, Lifeseeker, attaches to a helicopter or plane and allows rescuers to locate people where there is no cell signal as long as their cellphone is turned on.

The device allows rescuers to locate any type of cellphone if the phone is turned on in a noncoverage or low-coverage area. It won’t work if a cellphone is on “airplane mode.” The phone has to be on and attempting to reach a tower.

Officials say Lifeseeker, which was developed by Spain-based Centum Research and Technology, has never been used in the United States.