A Leap Too Far: How a PLB Turned the Tide in a Canyon Rescue

1 lives saved

Canyon

Challenging Terrain

Hiking

Medical emergency

What happened?

I was part of a large canyoning group guiding 30 youths and 15 adults through the Wollangambe 2 Canyon—an area many in our group had traversed over 100 times. Early in the descent, we reached the first jump, a 2–3m drop into a deep pool. After several successful jumps, one of the adults miscalculated his landing, struck a submerged rock, and suffered a compound fracture to his ankle.

We had no way to reverse the canyon, and the nearest access point was a two-hour hike away, leaving us with limited options. We helped him downstream to a shallow area, secured him in a stable position, provided first aid, and activated our rescueME PLB1 – Personal Locator Beacon.

One hour and 45 minutes later, the Toll Rescue Helicopter arrived, deploying two critical care paramedics who winched him to safety. He spent two weeks in the hospital before undergoing surgery once the swelling had subsided.

Without the PLB, the rescue would have taken hours—if not longer—due to the remote location and lack of phone reception. This device made all the difference, ensuring he received the urgent medical care he needed.

Words of wisdom

Even if you have done the track, hike, walk or canyon 100 times before. Always prepare for the unexpected and if your stepping off to no phone reception. Take a PLB.

Thank you note to the Ocean Signal team

The rescueMe PLB1 is an amazing bit of kit. Well done team. As a remote area paramedic for work all my colleagues recommended I get the rescueme PBL1 for recreational use. Because its small, light and reliable. So I invested and its 2nd use I had to push the button!!