A new piece of equipment being used by search and rescue teams across the province is already making a difference.

The Rovers Ground Search and Rescue unveiled their new helicopter highline rescue system yesterday. It will significantly cut down on the amount of time it takes to conduct a rescue.

President Harry Blackmore says the equipment has already been put to good use.

He says they had only received their training about a week before when they were called for a rescue in the Bauline area where they picked up a man who was lost and carried him to safety.

Blackmore says the man was a bit nervous about being airlifted in the harness.

Even though the man was “frightened to death” Blackmore says he got strapped in, closed his eyes, and was lifted over a kilometer to the waiting ambulance.