PLB1: Crucial Role in Te Urewera Helicopter Rescue

1 lives saved

Forest

Hiking

Hunting

Medical emergency

Normal conditions

What happened?

In December 2019, I joined Campbell “Chippy”, his son Clint, Craig, and host Chris for a horse ride in Te Urewera. We crossed the Horomanga River, heading toward the Whakatane (Ohinemataroa) River, with plans to exit at Ruatoki. While Chris focused on hunting, the rest of us enjoyed the backcountry, with great weather and solid footing for the horses.

The incident occurred when Chippy moved to check the near-side hind leg of his horse. Just before crossing the Horomanga River, Clint had suggested that the shoe on Chippy’s horse might be loose. Once Chippy reached the far bank of the river and dismounted, he intended to inspect the horse’s shoe.

At that moment, a pack horse led by Craig jumped up the bank to exit the riverbed. The horse bumped into Chippy’s horse, causing it to jump sideways. The near-side hock of the horse collided with Chippy’s eye socket, knocking him unconscious. Chippy stayed down for a while and felt disoriented after regaining consciousness. The impact was as powerful as a heavyweight champion’s knockout punch!

We, all experienced in contact sports, immediately understood the seriousness of the situation. We feared that Chippy might have suffered a brain injury, such as a bleed. Waiting five days to exit the bush wasn’t an option, so we had to act quickly.

Using a satellite phone, we contacted emergency services. They advised Clint to activate the rescueME PLB1, which assisted with the helicopter lifesaving rescue. The PLB provided our exact location, ensuring the helicopter could reach us swiftly. Fortunately, we found a suitable landing site for the helicopter right at the accident site, saving us a two-day ride to the next possible landing area.

The Greenlee Rescue helicopter arrived 40 minutes after our first call and 25 minutes after the PLB activation. The helicopter took Chippy directly to Rotorua Hospital. After comprehensive concussion testing, he was discharged later that evening. With the help of his partner, he booked a bus back to Otaki. Fellow passengers gave him curious looks as he sat in his oilskin Dry-as-a-Bone coat, bush clothing, and a plastered face, looking as though he had just been in a rough pub fight.

We were all relieved that Chippy made such a swift recovery. Without the satellite phone and PLB1, none of this would have been possible. Our forebears, without such technology, might have lost a friend in a similar situation.

Words of wisdom

Always carry a satellite phone and a PLB.

Thank you note to the Ocean Signal team

Many Thanks.  Your PLB1 was a god send.