VideoRay
Trains 15 Agencies in New York Harbor on Search and Rescue with
Underwater Robot
Bear Search & Rescue Foundation
Showcases VideoRay to Bring Awareness of New Tools
Printer-friendly
version
 |
Fifteen Police, Fire, Coast Guard Auxiliary,
Sea Scouts, Rescue, and EMS teams had the opportunity to
pilot the new VideoRay Pro at the Bear Search and Rescue
Foundation's Marine Training event in New York City.
|
|
Exton, PA, June 2, 2004 – On May 22, 23, 2004, VideoRay
LLC supported the Bear Search and Rescue Foundation's Marine Training
event in New York City, showing local agencies how the VideoRay
underwater robot can be used to in search and rescue missions.
Fifteen Police, Fire, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Sea Scouts, Rescue,
and EMS teams had the opportunity to pilot the new VideoRay
Pro III and learn from officers from St. Louis County, Minnesota,
who used the underwater robot to
locate the body of a drowned snowmobile
driver this past winter.
On day one of the event, attendees test-drove the VideoRay, equipped
with a SeaSprite scanning
sonar system that allowed operators to
locate targets and then navigate closer to observe through the
robot’s video eye. Also shown was VideoRay's new PC control
software, which allows the VideoRay to be piloted using standard
gaming controllers like those found on popular video game systems.
“Attendees were impressed with the size, speed, maneuverability
and video quality of the VideoRay,” says Scott Bentley, president
of VideoRay. “But more importantly, they understood how the
tiny robot could help bring closure to families who have lost loved
ones underwater. Our contribution to humanity is providing a tool
that not only helps locate those who are lost but that also prevents
additional tragedies when divers are put at risk to recover a victim.”
On day two of the event, Undersheriff Dave Phillips and Rescue
Squad member Lt. Tom Crossmon, of St. Louis County, Minnesota,
delivered a presentation of their experience using
VideoRay to locate the body of a drowned snowmobile driver in Ashland, Wisconsin.
Before the victim was located with a VideoRay, divers had previously
made 19 difficult dives in shifting ice. A diver spent less than
one minute in the 37-degree water recovering the body, just five
hours after the search with the VideoRay began.
 |
Undersheriff Dave Phillips of
St. Louis County, Minnesota, delivered a presentation
of his experience using VideoRay to recover drowning
victims.
|
|
Undersheriff Phillips reported that before authorities removed
the body, and without disturbing the scene, a conclusive forensic
investigation of the site was completed. By showing real pictures
captured during searches, Undersheriff Phillips shared his practical
experience and success with the VideoRay. He also provided guidance
for acquiring this type of equipment through grants and offered
tips on how to manage an ROV operations team, from staff selection
and training to mobilizing for missions.
“We really enjoyed meeting attendees from the New York area,” says
Undersheriff Phillips. “All public safety agencies have shared
the same problems of how to conduct underwater recoveries safely,
and it was great to show our VideoRay as a possible option for
them. It was an honor to meet with agencies and people involved
in the aftermath of the World Trade Center attacks. “
“The purpose of this interagency training was to make people
familiar with new methods for search and rescue. Within one week
of the event, we have learned of two instances where the VideoRay
is being used to bring closure to families of victims in New York
and Wisconsin,” says Captain Scott Shields, who hosted the
event and whose world-famous dog Bear located the most victims
at Ground Zero after the September 11 attacks on the Twin Towers. “Our
goal is to get people trained in the use of the VideoRay so we
can respond faster and better when a situation arises. We appreciate
VideoRay’s generosity in coming to New York to bring a higher
degree of awareness to the Tri-State area.”
Captain Scott Shields is looking for donations to the Bear Search
and Rescue Foundation for the purchase of a VideoRay to support
the search and rescue efforts of local agencies. Donations can
be made through the foundation’s website at www.bearsearchandrescue.org
The VideoRay ROV is an 8-pound underwater submersible equipped
with a video camera. Operated by one person from land or boat,
the submersible is attached to a tether and control box to navigate
and document underwater conditions. VideoRays are in use worldwide
for search and rescue and Homeland
Security initiatives.
For comments, contact: David Phillips, Undersheriff
St. Louis County Sheriff's Office, Duluth, MN, PH: 218-726-2339,
e-mail:
phillipsd@co.st-louis.mn.us.
Contact Captain Scott Shields of Bear Search and Rescue Foundation
at ph: 732-713-6298.
Contact VideoRay LLC • 400 Eagleview Blvd. • Exton,
PA 19341 USA • Phone: (610) 458-3000 • FAX: (610) 458-3010 • www.videoray.com
### All brands and product names are trademarks of their respective
owners.
|
