To: "Mounted search and rescue" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Personal Locator Beacons & SARSAT
Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2003 10:50:14 -0700
From: <Deb8562@aol.com>
> Jorene,
> This is great to know. May I have your permission to crosspost this to
another SAR email list I am on?
You're welcome to share the info with others. In fact, I encourage it so all
of us in SAR are prepared with appropriate knowledge and equipment instead
of saying "What's a PLB?" when there is one activated in our response area!
;-/
Devices like the PLB will change the dynamics of Wilderness SAR going
forward as more people acquire them. We'll have a huge advantage locating an
MP narrowed down to a 2-3 mile area, much less with GPS coordinates. I see
evolving to primarily Hasty Team and helicopter response, which means MSAR
will need to demonstrate the ability and skills to respond with the Hasty
Team or rarely be called. I anticipate in Wilderness SAR more emphasis will
be placed on tracking, search dogs, technical rescue skills, and higher
levels of medical training.
Years from now they'll be marketing a "hiker's watch" with integrated PLB,
GPS and 2-way radio. Move over Dick Tracy. ;)