Emergency "Beacon"

awestib

awestib

Joined
Dec 29, 2008
Messages
1,647
Hi guys,
I was hoping for some advice in regards to backcountry emergency "Beacons". I am not even sure if this is the right word for what I am looking for. What I would like is a simple emergency signaling device in case I get injured/stuck/buried and I am alone in the bush (Canada). I checked Mountain Equipment Coop but the device description is somewhat confusing (because of the lack of my knowledge about those things) and the review varies a lot.

Some explanations and recommendations (particularly personal experience with ease of use, reliability, sturdyness etc.) are greatly appreciated!
 
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In my current post on Bug Out Bags, I spend a paragraph on them. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1200695-An-Educated-BOB It just skims the surface, but it’s a start.

YOU’RE SKIING CROSS COUNTRY AND YOUR ROOMMATE BREAKS A LEG. YOU CAN’T LEAVE HER SO…YOU DID LEAVE A NOTE AT HOME, DIDN’T YOU? “IF I’M NOT BACK BY MONDAY MORNING, I’M IN TROUBLE.” CALL FOR HELP IF YOU HAVE COVERAGE. TEXT FOR HELP, SOMETIMES THAT WORKS. MAKE YOURSELF VISIBLE. HAVE A BRIGHT COLORED COAT. SPREAD OUT YOUR BRIGHT ORANGE AMK BLANKET AND YOUR BRIGHT COLORED WILD RAG. IF YOU HAVE A BRIGHT COLORED PONCHO, DISPLAY IT. STOMP SEVERAL X’S IN A FIELD OF SNOW. SPREAD ASHES OR GREENERY IN THE BOTTOM OF EACH TRENCH. PRACTICE WITH THE SIGNAL MIRROR IN YOUR RITTER PACK. SIGNAL WITH YOUR FLASHLIGHT. DON’T MAKE A SIGNAL FIRE. MAKE THREE. THREE FIRES IN A ROW, OR IN A TRIANGLE, WILL DRAW A PILOT’S ATTENTION. HAVE THE FIRES READY TO GO. WHEN YOU HEAR A SMALL AIRCRAFT, LIGHT THEM UP. THROW DAMP BOUGHS OR PIECES OF TIRE INTO THE FIRES TO MAKE SMOKE. REMEMBER SEARCHES ON THE GROUND. FIRE AND SMOKE ARE STILL GOOD. SO IS A SIGNAL FLASHLIGHT. STRING PARACORD AT HEAD HEIGHT WITH BRANCHES AND YOUR RED BANDANA DANGLING. IF YOU HAVE CHEMICAL LIGHT STICKS, TIE SOME PARACORD TO THE END OF ONE. SWING IT IN A CIRCLE. DON’T FORGET THE RITTER PACK’S WHISTLE. YOU CAN BLOW A WHISTLE LONG AFTER YOU’VE SHOUTED YOURSELF HOARSE.
 
A simple emergency strobe is low-tech, relatively inexpensive and reliable. They can be seen miles away, particularly from the air or a high vantage point in most terrain. And for specific trip needs, I understand that a SPOT or other PLBs can be rented short term without having to also pay subscription fees. On cell phone use, I note that when I take mine on the river that if I do not turn it off, it will drain the battery searching for a tower where there is none. On that river the only service is 911 and it is very spotty, not dependable due to the topography.
 
I don't know a great deal about locator beacons but a couple of other ideas for your consideration:

1. **CHECK TO SEE IF THIS APPLIES IN YOUR COUNTRY** As far as I know the international emergency number is "112". Dialing this is meant to connect to your emergency call centre (911 for you guys) but is supposed to work regardless of which mobile phone network has coverage. Since we're in different countries PLEASE check what the story is over there and don't take my word for it.

2. I used to be an active member of our State Emergency Service; among other things they conduct land search operations when people go missing. Different terrain can cut visibility basically down to zero. During one incident we were searching for a missing gentleman in swamp land with reeds packed so thick we could barely see the next searcher standing next to us. In these cases it wouldn't take much for a search team to walk straight past an unconscious casualty. One thing I've considered before was packing some fluorescent orange or pink cord or thin tape with a weight on the end; if you get stuck, throw the weight as far as you can. If a search team knows what to look for (because you've told the people at home about this, right?) and they find the tape they just need to follow it. This is just an idea - there may be people who find it to be completely flawed.

I would be really interested to know what you settle on.
 
you should get in touch with the Calgary branch of the the volunteer SAR guys and they will probably give you some good advice. You probably want to go for a PLB, its a cost up front, but they are very reliable. I would not go for a spot or satalite phone system (like the inreach or others) espessially if you do any travel north of there. I had to use a sat phone while working north of fort mac, and it was not terribly reliable. Plus for the operating cost, I don't think its worth it. Those are different from avalanche beacons, which only work in a very small area, and are so the rest of your crew can find you. the PLB uses the same system that aircraft and boats rely on.
 
I do a lot of off road motorcycling and I am often beyond cell phone range so I opted for a PLB (personal locator beacon) from MEC . I got the mc-murdo "fast find" . it had an upfront cost but no subscription. so for all the time I do not use it;.it cost nothing .
Some of the new versions of spot even let you send emails. but again it costs every month even when you don't use it. the mc-murdo fast find can be used anywhere in the world . So far I have not had to use it so cant comment on how well it works but any time I used the test function that worked fine. one drawback to the fast find is that the battery is only good for 5 years ,so I will soon have to check on whats involved in that
 
VS-17 panel is about as simple and easy as it gets--lightweight, stuffable, and no batteries required.
 
The problem with a VS is that in Alberta if no one is looking for you, no one will find you. If one of the tour choppers happens to spot it, unless you've been reported missing in that area of Alberta, the priority to check it out is pretty low. So you could be waiting a while until another chopper does a fly-past to check it out, and even longer from then depending on if they decide to walk someone in to you, or do a long line. I'm not 100% on how that is set up procedure-wise, but if you are in a tight situation, hours could be far too long.
 
Don't buy a "please save me" device. Instead hike with responsible people be smart and get yourself out.
 
The SPOT devices always seem a little suspect to me with their subscription service. There are also plenty of reports from users of spotty reception and being unable to get a message out in non emergency situations, which would make me question if it will work in an emergency. I'd go with one of the dedicated, emergency only PLB devices.

I agree that too many people buy an emergency beacon and abuse the service they provide in order to go beyond their abilities. Even if you are the most careful and responsible person you can still slip and break an ankle though so I see nothing wrong with having a PLB as a backup.
 
Mike-Mike said:
Don't buy a "please save me" device. Instead hike with responsible people be smart and get yourself out.
Click to expand...

There are times when companions and wisdom are not enough. Few people, anywhere, actually plan for bad things to happen to them. A PLB, strobe, sat phone, whistle, mirror... all of these are just backup safety precautions. Because bad things do happen. Even to smart people.
 
Codger_64 said:
There are times when companions and wisdom are not enough. Few people, anywhere, actually plan for bad things to happen to them. A PLB, strobe, sat phone, whistle, mirror... all of these are just backup safety precautions. Because bad things do happen. Even to smart people.
Click to expand...

I agree, but it is ultimately my responsibility to get myself out if a situation. If I am relying on the general public and emergency services to get me out of the situation then I shouldn't go into secluded areas. When I go on a deep woods hike I know the risks and am not expecting a "bail out". Yes emergencies happen but having a "rescue me" button, might make some people take unnecessary risks. This is already why many hiking spots have so many rules. No fires, no night hikes etc.
 
I agree with you MIKE on people buying tech as their emergency plan instead of experience/skills and carrying first aid/emergency gear/food and is becoming more common unfortunately.

Codger is right that murphy can get to the best in the field. Having the above mentioned and some "rescue me tech" with common sense is wise
 
I have used the SPOT device in Northern New Brunswick. Two of us hiking for nine days. Never saw anyone else. My model has three buttons - 'ok' 'help' , 'SOS'. You can give relatives the link to get online and view where you are, or it can be put on a Facebook page. What we did was occasionally press 'ok' and people could see that, we were okay, and they could track our progress. We had pre arranged that 'help' meant we were done and to come get us when you can, no rush, finish work and make the six hour drive to get us. So we knew there'd be a 12-24+ hour wait to get us. 'SOS ' means we're in trouble and need help now. Worked great for us, all who cared could follow our progress and our wives were comforted by knowing where we were, and that we were okay.

One side note, make people who are watching you're progress are familiar with your arrangement - if you use mine. I have an aunt, who, it turns out was watching our progress religiously. When 'help' was pressed to signal our finish, well, we sat down and made a little camp to await pick up. She called RCMP, NB game wardens screaming that we were signaling help and for gods sake get there. Fortunately, they called my wife who said no, they're fine, we're on our way. Later we were told that a helicopter was getting ready in Halifax in to pick us up. If it had taken off, we'd have had a $60,000 taxi ride to pay for- at least that's what the game warden said.

Forgot to mention pressing 'SOS' sends signal to SPOT headquarters and that is where the search and rescue call is made from, to appropriate locale and authorities. You don't have to rely on my aunt. 'help' does not notify authorities .
 
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Mike-Mike said:
I agree, but it is ultimately my responsibility to get myself out if a situation. If I am relying on the general public and emergency services to get me out of the situation then I shouldn't go into secluded areas. When I go on a deep woods hike I know the risks and am not expecting a "bail out". Yes emergencies happen but having a "rescue me" button, might make some people take unnecessary risks. This is already why many hiking spots have so many rules. No fires, no night hikes etc.
Click to expand...

There are some situations where a PLB is necessary. Real emergencies. Sometimes you can't physically signal for help. There are rules for PLB usage. Get to know them if you get one. Using one for a twisted ankle when you can get out on your own won't fly well with SAR and EMS folks. You can face fines if you misuse one.
BUT.... You should have prepared well in advance for most every possible emergency. You need to let folks know where and when you are going and when and where to expect you back. All the signalling techniques you can learn you should know. And have the tools to do it. Hiking solo is not wise imho, but to each their own. All the more reason to make sure you're prepared for as many situations as possible. If all else fails, a PLB will be another tool in the box. Your last tool to try.
 
I don't think PLBs are being abused much, if at all. If anything people who are dumb enough to get into silly trouble have enough trouble keeping a cell phone charged, nevermind even bringing a PLB with them.
 
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