In high-stakes emergency situations, first responders rely on reliable internet connectivity to coordinate efforts, share real-time intelligence, and save lives. But what happens when disaster strikes in some of the most remote and challenging environments? In our latest webinar, Dejero put its mission-critical connectivity solutions to the test on the remote slopes of Purgatory Ski Resort, nestled in the San Juan Mountains– the steepest range in Colorado.
The high-stakes world of mountain rescue
Every year, Colorado’s ski slopes see approximately 8,000 injuries, keeping Ski Patrollers and Emergency Responders busy year-round. At Purgatory Ski Resort alone, patrol teams cover 1,500 skiable acres with 105 trails, and five terrain parks. Their responsibilities extend far beyond ski safety–they are highly trained in first aid, firefighting, emergency medical procedures, and rescue operations.
During an emergency, these patrollers assess situations, provide medical assistance, transport patients using rescue toboggans, and prepare helicopter landing zones–often in extreme weather conditions. But their most critical role is coordination. As Incident Commanders, Ski Patrollers and on-site Sheriff’s Deputies must relay real-time data–patient conditions, exact locations, and environmental risks–to emergency agencies and air medical teams. Seconds matter, and connectivity can mean the difference between life and death.
Live Rescue Simulation: Connectivity Under Pressure
To demonstrate Dejero Smart Blending Technology™, Purgatory Resort Director Blayne Woods, Dejero Public safety Channel Manager Rory McCabe, and La Plata County Sheriff’s Deputy Lieutenant Zach Calhoun, conducted a live emergency simulation.
The scenario? A skier with severe injuries requiring immediate evacuation. Using a Dejero EnGo 3 mobile video transmitter equipped with multiple SIM cards, the event streamed live from Rory’s location—even as he skied through connectivity-challenged zones. The device seamlessly blended multiple cellular connections into a resilient internet backhaul, proving that uninterrupted, real-time video streaming is possible even in remote, mountainous environments.
For emergency responders, traditional networks are unreliable in regions like this. Limited infrastructure, restricted cell tower placements, and natural signal barriers create dead zones that can disrupt mission-critical communications. In such conditions, conventional failover methods often fail—delays, lost data, or dropped signals can turn a manageable rescue into a catastrophe.
One Connection isn’t enough–until it fails
Currently, Purgatory Ski Patrollers and local Public Safety agencies rely on 800MHz radio systems, which can be unreliable in mountainous terrain. If responders can’t connect to a radio tower, communication breaks down—leaving helicopters unsure where to land or whether it’s even safe. And when multiple agencies share the same frequency, congestion can block critical transmissions.
The coverage map of the San Juan range tells the story. Red and brown zones indicate little to no signal, while only limited green areas offer strong enough coverage for HD video transmission. In short, traditional connectivity isn’t enough.
Turning dead zones into live connections
Despite the obstacles, Rory successfully transmitted live HD video while skiing to a “patient” using the Dejero EnGo 3 mobile video transmitter, which dynamically blended four different cellular networks. The result? Uninterrupted communication at an impressive 12 MBps throughput.
Dejero Smart Blending Technology combines multiple networks — including 4G/5G, Wi-Fi, and satellite (LEO, MEO and GEO) —into a single, ultra-reliable pipeline. This ensures first responders can transmit live video, share mission-critical data, and stay connected–even in the most extreme conditions.
No matter how strong a single carrier’s coverage may be, natural disasters, wildfires, blizzards, and even deliberate acts like fiber line sabotage can cripple connectivity. Dejero’s patented technology creates a ‘network of networks,’ ensuring seamless data transfer even when conventional solutions fail.
Packet-level transmission: The game changer
The EnGo 3 is equipped with four built-in antennas and radios, leveraging the strength of multiple networks. Instead of relying on a single weak connection, it transmits data at the packet level across all available networks. A Dejero cloud server then reconstructs and optimizes packets, delivering a seamless, low-latency connection to responders and command centers.
This intelligent approach ensures first responders get real-time, high-quality video and data–regardless of terrain challenges.
Built for the Extreme
The EnGo 3 isn’t just smart–it’s tough. Carried by our camera operator in a Dejerop backpack, the device withstood the rough conditions of an active mountain rescue. Built from aircraft-grade aluminum in a monocoque construction, it’s lightweight yet incredibly strong. ZPolycarbonate ABS bumpers provide extra protection, and it operates in extreme temperatures ranging from -70°F to +140°F.
Better connectivity, better life-saving tools
The demand for data and real-time video has never been greater. Our live webinar proved that Dejero enables first responders to operate in areas previously thought impossible.
Looking ahead, Purgatory Ski Patrol plans to deploy drones for avalanche mitigation using controlled explosives. With Dejero connectivity, live video transmission will provide situational awareness, ensuring the area is clear and safe before detonation–an innovation that could save lives.
In search and rescue, disaster recovery, or any emergency situation, connectivity is mission-critical. Ensure your team is prepared–with Dejero.
