SFU researcher develops new tech-savvy search and rescue system
PhD student Brennan Jones wants to lend a helping hand to the B.C. search and rescue volunteers he calls heroes.
The BC Search and Rescue Association says crews around the province responded to more than two thousand calls in 2021 – the Province’s highest total since the BCSARA started recording data.
"That’s one of the things that gets me excited to work with them, is their passion to save lives,” Brennan said.
"That sort of gives me passion to help them in whatever way I can to help them save lives.”
Working out of SFU’s School of Interactive Arts, Brennan developed a system involving 360-degree body cameras and live-streaming technology to assist search and rescue efforts.
"It’s called RescueCASTR,” said Brennan. “The acronym stands for Search and Rescue Contextual Awareness Streaming.”
Jones says current SAR methods rely mostly on audio technology such as the two-way radio. His system, however, would provide visual assistance in real-time.
"We sort of send search and rescue field teams in with body cameras which both record and live-stream visual contextual information about their surroundings and their safety,” said Jones. “Making communication easier and more efficient.”
Jones admits the live-streaming doesn’t work in all terrain due to connectivity issues, but says the cameras are always recording and still provide valuable information for investigators mapping out the area.
"It’s an interesting idea,” said Doug Pope, manager with North Shore Rescue. “I like the way it kind of puts a lot of information in one place."
Although most people were saved in 2021, the year still saw nearly 100 people discovered dead or never found at all. The BCSARA recently launched a video education series prior to what’s expected to be a busy May long-weekend outdoors.
“These videos will help hikers get prepared,” said Sandra Riches, executive director of the BC Adventure Smart Program.
Meanwhile, Jones says the RescueCASTR system is in the proof of concept phase and may be years away from implementation. Until then, SAR crews say the best way to avoid needing their help is to plan ahead and bring proper equipment on their adventure.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Poilievre will do 'anything to win,' must condemn Alex Jones endorsement: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ramping up his attacks on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as he promotes his government's federal budget.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ukraine uses long-range missiles secretly provided by U.S. to hit Russian-held areas, officials say
Ukraine for the first time has begun using long-range ballistic missiles provided secretly by the United States, bombing a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week and Russian forces in another occupied area overnight, American officials said Wednesday.
New evidence challenges the Pentagon's account of a horrific attack as the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan: CNN exclusive
New video evidence uncovered by CNN significantly undermines two Pentagon investigations into an ISIS-K suicide attack outside Kabul airport, during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
All Alberta wildfires to date in 2024 believed to be human-caused: province
There are 63 wildfires burning in Alberta's forest protection area as of Wednesday morning and seven mutual aid fires, including one in the Municipal District of Peace.
7 surveillance videos linked to extortions of South Asian home builders in Edmonton released
The Edmonton Police Service has released a number of surveillance videos related to a series of extortion cases in the city now dubbed 'Project Gaslight.'
Suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery caught on video
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
Pilot proposes to flight attendant girlfriend in front of passengers
A Polish pilot proposed to his flight attendant girlfriend during a flight from Warsaw to Krakow, and she said yes.