Communications technology has improved considerably over the last couple of decades. There are now several types of emergency communication devices suitable for bushwalking and other outdoor adventures: mobile phone; satellite phone, tracking device or personal locator beacon (PLB). These have become affordable and readily available. At least one of the following technologies should be carried on any outdoor activity, depending on the type of activity, cost and skills of the participants. However, we should never ignore the importance of learning basic navigational and survival techniques in case these technologies fail.
Mobile Phones– The most common and accessible form of communication. They can be an extremely useful tool to communicate with emergency services in case of emergency. However, they do have limitations. The most obvious of these is that service is often unavailable in isolated areas such as many national parks. Another is that they are not designed to be used in outdoor, rugged environments and can be damaged easily. It is recommended that they are kept in a waterproof bag to avoid exposure to water, dirt etc. Batteries are another limitation that needs to be considered.
Satellite phones– Are generally more durable and flexible than mobile phones. They can also be more expensive. The major advantage of the sat phone is that it does not require mobile reception as it connects directly with satellites overhead. Again, weight is a consideration when looking to carry a sat phone as they are generally larger and heavier than a mobile.
PLB’s (Personal Locator Beacons)- These are newer technologies that are lightweight, small to carry and as the name suggests, designed for personal use by individuals. The beacon is to be activated when there is an emergency. It provides a GPS location to emergency services to allow them to narrow a potential search to a very narrow area. Some models have some simple communication methods attached to them, allowing real time communication with rescuers. Another exciting feature of some PLB’s is real time tracking, where movement can be viewed in real time by other people.
EPIRB’s (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)- An EPIRB is another device that should be kept on hand in case of emergency. Similar to a PLB, they are to be activated in times of emergency. Once activated, they send a location signal continuously for 48 hours. The main difference to a PLB is that they are primarily used in maritime environments, especially offshore. In NSW, it is a legal requirement to carry an EPIRB if heading offshore.