A journey driven by a passion for the mountains and rescue work
Romain Picard is a mountain guide and a rescue officer with the High Mountain Gendarmerie Platoon (PGHM) in Briançon. Driven by a passion for both the mountains and helping others, he joined this specialized unit in 2010. For eight years, he served with the PGHM in Chamonix while simultaneously earning his high mountain guide certification. In 2018, he transferred to the PGHM in Briançon, where he continues to serve today.
The PGHM is responsible for conducting mountain rescue operations, often under extreme conditions. Most interventions are carried out by helicopter to reach areas inaccessible by any other means. However, when weather conditions prevent flying, the teams move on foot, using ski touring gear, snowmobiles, quads, or 4×4 vehicles to navigate rugged terrain—rock faces, ravines, crevasses, and more.
Rescue missions take place year-round, with a peak in winter due to avalanches and weather-related accidents. Even during the off-season, rescues remain frequent, as every day climbers, hikers, or skiers find themselves in difficulty.
Extreme conditions demand high-performance equipment
Working in high mountain environments exposes rescuers to extreme weather conditions: sub-zero temperatures, strong winds, and snowstorms. It’s not uncommon to operate at over 4,000 meters of altitude, sometimes in the middle of a blizzard. Temperature changes can be brutal — a rescuer might go from standing in the sun on the tarmac to facing a full-blown storm within minutes.
“In these situations, it’s essential to have high-performance thermal equipment,” explains Romain Picard. “We must be able to carry out rescue operations in sometimes extreme conditions, without losing dexterity or responsiveness.”
During rescue missions, the helicopter crew typically consists of a pilot, a mechanic, a doctor when needed, and two rescuers responsible for both medical assistance and the rescue itself. Handling equipment, extracting the injured, and providing first aid often require removing gloves. “Having gloves and socks that retain heat and offer optimal protection is absolutely crucial,” Romain adds.
JLF Pro products in action on the field
Romain Picard discovered JLF Pro through his network of mountain professionals. He was quickly impressed by the quality and technical performance of the products, perfectly suited to the demands of the field.
Among the equipment he uses daily are:
Vibracut gloves, which provide excellent protection against cold and impact while ensuring good dexterity.
Thermal socks, designed to retain heat even in extreme conditions.
“What sets JLF Pro apart is the thermal efficiency of their products,” explains Romain. “When we need to remove our gloves to perform precise tasks, it’s essential to quickly regain warmth when putting them back on. This allows us to stay fully operational and ensure the safety of those we rescue.”
Crink 5 Gloves -JLF PRO – 2310 Gant Snow-pro- JLF PRO – 2122
A positive experience and recommendations
During a mid-winter rescue, when the helicopter couldn’t fly due to a storm, Romain and his team had to undertake a “ground caravan,” traveling several kilometers on ski touring equipment to assist an injured climber. “With wind chills reaching -20°C, thermal protection is crucial. Thanks to JLF Pro gloves and socks, we were able to maintain a good level of thermal comfort despite the extreme conditions,” Romain explains.
Thermal Socks – JLF PRO – 0367 :
The special winter sock for cold environments features a wool and acrylic looped knit with reinforced heels and toes.
Would he recommend these products to other mountain rescue professionals?
“Without hesitation. The quality and technical performance of JLF Pro equipment perfectly meet the demands of the field. For us, every detail matters, and having reliable gear can make all the difference during a mission.”
Finally, according to Romain, further innovations could enhance rescuer comfort and protection: “Perhaps developing integrated heating systems or even more advanced materials to improve thermal regulation. But overall, JLF Pro products are already an excellent choice for professionals exposed to extreme cold.”
JLF Pro: An indispensable partner for professionals in extreme conditions
Romain Picard’s experience perfectly highlights the importance of equipment suited to extreme environments. Thanks to the technologies developed by JLF Pro, PGHM rescuers can carry out their missions with optimal thermal comfort, essential for maintaining effectiveness in the field.
Whether you are a mountain rescue professional or a worker exposed to harsh climatic conditions, follow Romain Picard’s example: choose performance and safety with JLF Pro equipment.