How a Hiker’s Preparedness on Mt. Thomas and Hiking Safety Gear Turned a Crisis Around

Τι συνέβη;

It had been raining heavily, making the steep descent from the summit of Mt. Thomas treacherous. Pine needles gathered in thick bunches, hiding tree roots along the trail.

I was halfway back to the car park when I tripped and fell, hearing a loud crack as my ankle twisted beneath me. For a moment, I hoped the noise had come from my walking pole breaking, but one look at the angle of my foot confirmed my suspicion: it was my leg that had broken.

The pain hadn’t fully set in yet, but I felt an immediate sense of frustration. My plans for a summer of tramping had just vanished, and I knew I’d be letting my team down during the busiest time of year at work.

I took a few moments to consider my options.

It was cold and damp, and I was sitting on wet ground alone. I likely had cell reception, but I knew that summoning the local Land SAR (Search and Rescue) team and coordinating a stretcher evacuation down the mountain to Christchurch Hospital would take several hours. Despite the situation, I wasn’t feeling scared but I had my hiking safety gear with me — I had my rescueMe PLB1 Personal Locator Beacon in my pack, giving me confidence that help wasn’t too far away.

Realizing that my options were limited, I activated the beacon. Within minutes, emergency personnel called to confirm my location, and a helicopter was dispatched. Thanks to the PLB, I was in the hospital within an hour, where I learned I had fractured both my tibia and fibula and severely sprained my ankle.

If I hadn’t brought hiking survival gear with me by carrying a PLB, I would have faced a long, cold wait and a difficult extraction. Although I felt a bit embarrassed by my clumsiness, my gratitude for the quick response was overwhelming.

I’ll never tramp without an emergency beacon again, especially when I’m out alone.

Λέξεις σοφίας

Always take a PLB or similar when going on adventures, especially if on your own!

Σας ευχαριστούμε τη σημείωση στην ομάδα σήματος των ωκεανών

Legends.  My RescueMe PLB worked perfectly when I needed it.  Such a great investment!