Rumney Rocks
Dispatch to Rescue Plan
On May 16, 2017, three local fire departments responded to a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) rescue call in the Rumney, New Hampshire service area. The responding departments from Rumney, Plymouth and Campton/Thornton rescue, along with a Team from the N.H. Fish and Game Rescue, went into action immediately knowing the area. Location was reported to be in the backcountry behind the Rumney Rocks hiking trail. It would be determined that the patient had a sprained ankle and torn ligament and could not proceed any further without damaging his leg in addition to the injuries already sustained.
Thankfully, his ACR Electronics ResQLink and his cell phone kept him in touch with the outside world where he was able to contact his wife. She was able to give the rescue team the GPS co-ordinates she had, which assisted the team in answering two questions. "How close can we get by road?” and “What’s the best approach for direct access?”
Proceed to Rescue
From dispatch to the patients location took approximately 45 minutes for the first four team members to arrive and assess the patients condition and plan the descent for when the rest of the team arrived on location. They were also able to give the second team of rescuers an updated coordinate to pin point the location.
It was determined that a Stokes rescue litter (a stretcher used in the fire and rescue service) was the right choice for the 1,100 foot descent to the nearest dirt road where an ambulance would be waiting to bring the patient to the Plymouth Regional Hospital ER.
A combined Team of 10 firefighters and a squad of 4 New Hampshire Fish and Game Rescue personnel, worked together to deliver the patient to safety. After about 4 hours of careful transport, taking precaution that the patient and team were well hydrated on this warm spring day, the patient was delivered to the Ambulance squad and his awaiting wife.
Dare to Prepare
Just another successful rescue assisted by the ACR Electronics ResQLink Personal Locator Beacon.
GPS technology is playing a huge and growing role in rescue today throughout the world. If you are a hiking enthusiast, why not be prepared and have the peace of mind that comes from owning a GPS navigation device or a Personal Locator Beacon.
If you know where you are at all times, it'll be easier and quicker to be found if the need ever arises or to come to the assistance of another.
Be Safe,
The GPS Me Home Team
