Arney,

Avalanche transmitters are VERY low power and have a transmitting range of a few tens of feet. Not nearly enough to find someone unless you are about to step on them (which is basically what you do in avalanche rescue). Better than nothing (if everyone in the rescue team has a unit) but unlikely to help. Few except Ski Patrol, Avalanche rescue teams and winter back country types have one. Most rescue teams would not have them or would not bring them in the summer.

Respectfully,

Jerry