Wednesday, May 04, 2016 at 20:26
Hi Oz Doc
Could I please ask a couple of questions regarding
the Spot, as to be honest, I know about them but not their cost and features.
How much is the minimum contract yearly subscription please, as when I looked, the minimum was around $300 and went up in price depending on extra
services.
Are the units waterproof and used safely out in all elements, including rain, or being dropped into water?
In the event of an emergency, how long is it before the Australian Authorities are informed from the overseas people that manage the system?
If your parents are in remotes areas for extended times, I would highly recommend to also use and carry a Satellite phone for a number of reasons. If the scenario you mentioned above and your parents were going to be trapped for weeks without help, you are justified in setting off the PLB, as if you are in an area and help has not arrived, it would then be classed as a potential life threatening situation, and again a Sat phone if used, you could speak first hand with family of those coming to help.
Another good scenario of PLB v Spot is in my own personal situations. Often when in the bush or even kayaking, I always carry my very small emergency backpack that contains my Satellite phone, PLB, hand help UHF, 1.5 litres of water, signal mirror to name just a few items that I hope I will never have to use.
Those that carry a spot and head off on foot, do they take it out of their vehicle and carry it with them? Also one instance that can and has happen and will be life or death....a snake bite.
A
young lad had left
Melbourne last year and was heading to
Darwin. Worried family had not heard of him and contacted Police. It was not until a few months later that the tragic events were told.
The poor lad went off of the Stuart Highway north of Glendambo and bogged his vehicle. While collecting wood to put under the tyres to try and gain traction, he was bitten by a Mulga snake and not being able to drive out or get help, he died a lonely and tragic death.
If he carried a PLB and set it off, authorities in
Canberra would have know his exact location within metres in under 20 minutes and help would have been in action straight away after one of three phone calls. Help may have saved his life, as it would have taken him hours to die in an unconscious state, but like I said, help may have saved his life. Yes you can say that if he had a Spot, he could have set it off, but from what I have been told, it would have been hours before Authorities were informed in Australia and any help actioned.
Cheers and thanks for a good debate.
Stephen
FollowupID:
868794