Sweet Protection & Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation Launch Ascender SAR 2Vi – New Multi-Role Rescue Helmet

Sweet Protection has announced the launch of the Ascender SAR 2Vi, a purpose-built rescue helmet developed in collaboration with the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation (SNLA).

The helmet is designed to replace multiple task-specific helmets with one lightweight, durable, and communication-ready solution that meets the diverse needs of search and rescue professionals. With a weight reduction of approximately 500 grams compared to existing solutions, the Ascender SAR 2Vi offers significant advantages in comfort, safety, and performance during demanding missions.

The launch also marks Sweet Protection’s entry into a new business segment – Professional Rescue, expanding the company’s core expertise from cycling, ski/snowboard, and whitewater paddling into professional rescue environments.

Traditionally, rescue personnel have needed separate helmets for water rescue, alpine terrain, steep operations, and hoist work. The Ascender SAR 2Vi® combines all these requirements into a single, highly versatile helmet. It meets European standards for climbing and ski/snowboard use, is tested for water rescue, integrates key communication interfaces, and can also be used for snowmobile operations in Norway.

The project began in 2021 as a close collaboration between Sweet Protection and the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation. Prototypes were tested and refined through real-world rescue missions to ensure optimal field performance and safety.

“Interest in our helmet has been substantial both in Norway and abroad. In Norway, fire and rescue services, the Red Cross, Norwegian People’s Aid, alpine rescue groups, the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue, and the Armed Forces have all shown strong interest. Internationally, the helmet is attracting attention from professional rescue communities and will make its official international debut at the ICAR Conference in the United States in October 2025,” said Erik Hegbom, General Manager, Sweet Protection.

“For more than 25 years, we’ve protected athletes in cycling, skiing/snowboarding, and whitewater paddling with our helmets, eyewear, and apparel, said Ståle N. Møller, Head of Product at Sweet Protection.

“With the new Ascender SAR 2Vi® Mips, we’re taking our first step into Professional Rescue, developing it for those who protect others. The collaboration with the Norwegian Air Ambulance challenged us to combine low weight, high protection, and seamless communication integration in one operational helmet.”

Gábor Magyari from the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation adds:“The result is a helmet that has passed rigorous testing and meets all the requirements for real rescue operations. We are proud to see it ready for use.”

Availability

The first helmets are now being delivered to the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, with the initial batch donated by Sweet Protection as a recognition of the collaboration.

The Ascender SAR 2Vi will be available for purchase from winter 2025 through selected professional distributors and at sweetprotection.com.
Regional certifications and delivery times may vary.

About the Ascender SAR 2Vi

• One helmet – many missions: Suitable for avalanche, mountain, water rescue, snowmobile operations (in Norway), and hoist operations
• Ultra-lightweight (500g in size M/L): Reduces fatigue and the risk of neck injuries
• Communication-ready: Integrated cable routing and compatibility with hearing protection and communication systems
• No equipment conflict: Combined mount keeps goggles and hearing protection separate
• Advanced protection: Engineered for both side and top impacts, designed for harsh weather conditions

Technical Specifications:

• Construction: Hybrid carbon-fiber and energy-absorbing EPS in-mold; EPS and ABS components
• Sizes: S/M, M/L, L/XL, XXL (S/M available AW26)
• Combined mount for hearing protection and goggles
• Cable routing for communication systems
• Certified by: Research Institute of Sweden (RISE)
• Standards: EN12492 (climbing), EN1077 (ski/snowboard, incl. snowmobile in Norway); tested for EN1385 (watersports)

Sweet Protection combines industry-leading innovation with the finest craftsmanship to create the most advanced helmets, goggles and technical apparel in ski/snowboard, bike and paddle sports. The company was founded in 2000 by a tight-knit group of skiers, snowboarders, paddlers and cyclists in Trysil, a mountain village in Østerdalen, Norway. Since their beginnings, they have pursued the goal of both ensuring the safety of athletes and inspiring them to push their own boundaries – from World Cup ski racers to the weekend warriors.