When a Familiar Track Became a Life-Threatening Emergency

What happened?

My partner and I were walking the Routeburn Track in New Zealand, setting off at around 9:00 am on January 13th under perfect conditions with clear skies and warm weather. Although we had walked the trail before and knew it to be considered relatively easy, we still prepared as we always do. Along with food and water, we packed our standard safety gear, including a first aid kit, emergency foil blankets, and our rescueME PLB1.

We planned to combine the first two days of the hike, walking from the Routeburn Shelter through to Lake Mackenzie. After stopping for lunch at the Routeburn Falls Hut, we took the side trip up Conical Hill. By the time we passed through Harris Saddle, the day was getting on, and due to our longer route, we found ourselves among the last groups making our way along the exposed Hollyford Face.

It was there that we came across a family of three in obvious distress. One of the parents had fallen, suffering a deep cut to the knee as well as a head injury. They were unable to walk without the knee bleeding further and were feeling dizzy from the head injury. Given the exposed terrain and the fact that the nearest road was at least a day and a half away on foot, it was clear they could not safely continue or self evacuate.

We activated the PLB and settled in to wait. While we waited, we used our foil blankets to provide shade and shelter, helping protect the injured hiker from the sun while keeping them as comfortable as possible. About an hour later, an NZTA helicopter that had been operating nearby arrived first. They landed a short distance away, checked on the situation, and relayed their assessment to Search and Rescue.

Roughly another hour passed before a dedicated SAR helicopter arrived with a medic onboard. After a full assessment, the medic and the injured hiker were secured together and airlifted off the mountain to a local medical facility for further treatment.

Without the PLB, one of us would have had to continue on to the nearest Department of Conservation hut to access a radio. With daylight fading, that would have meant a significant delay. Activating the PLB saved several critical hours and helped ensure the family received professional medical assistance before nightfall.

Words of wisdom

Even on easier, busy trails, a PLB can make a huge difference.

Thank you note to the Ocean Signal team

Thank you! Our PLB made a big difference that day.