The dramatic rescue of a group of campers caught out by rapidly rising floodwaters at a remote Queensland campsite over Easter was a reminder of a couple of things … how quickly conditions can change … and how important it is to have emergency communication capability.
When 29 campers found themselves stranded at East Leichhardt Dam, 40 kilometres south-east of Mount Isa – an area with no mobile reception – it was extremely fortunate that one of group was able to contact emergency services by using the Emergency SOS function on their iPhone.
With more travellers about to start heading into Outback regions, many on their way north, the authorities are urging them to make sure they have the right technology with them.
Emergency services raced to help stranded campers near Mt Isa over Easter. PIC: Qld Police
Senior Sergeant Jeffery Magnus, the search and rescue coordinator for Mount Isa Police, told the ABC that it made all the difference that the East Leichhardt Dam campers had effective communication devices with them, and emergency services were able to respond quickly.
“This was a lucky situation where the campers were very well prepared … there could have been other incidents like a snake bite or a situation with young children where emergency devices are critical,” he said.
Senior Sergeant Magnus told the ABC that an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) were among the top devices for contacting emergency services.
“They send out signals which are relayed to a number of emergency services,” he said. “We’re given your latitude and longitude so we can go and find out what’s happening.”
Other emergency technologies included the SOS satellite function on newer smart phone models and some wearable devices, and satellite phones or ‘satphones’.
“However, a lot of these require a subscription that you must maintain,” Senior Sergeant Magnus told the ABC. “It is important to note that if you are text messaging emergency services [using a phone with an SOS satellite function], you must provide your exact location.”
Senior Sergeant Magnus said there was a common misconception among travellers that emergency services were contactable without reception.
“Parts of rural Queensland are a long way from anywhere,” he said. “We’ve had people waiting days and days for help to arrive because they haven’t had the failsafe technology to contact emergency services.”
But, while technology can be a lifesaver in the Outback, so can other more basic measures.
“Always tell people where you are going and how long you should take to get there,” Senior Sergeant Magnus told the ABC. “Ensure you have ample food and water supplies to last you if you do get stuck and if you get into trouble, stay where you are … basic safety measures like this save lives.”
Grey Nomad Members are being given the opportunity to win a rearview 170 reversing camera system, valued at $259. This device is solar operated and requires absolutely no wiring and can be fitted by almost anyone within 10 minutes. This means it can be easily transferred from tow vehicle to camper when required. And, best of all, the system offers extremely wide 170-degrees horizontal rear view.
Click here to find out more about the prize … and how to enter.
Members: If you wish to enter, please click here.
Grey Nomad Members now have the opportunity to win a fantastic Cobb Gas Package, valued at $439. With the base remaining cool-to-touch on the outside, the Cobb allows you to cook on any surface safely with no heat transfer. Ideal for life on the road, camping, boating, beach cook ups, or even just at home. This light (6kg), sturdy, stainless steel cooking system is a dream to travel with.
Click here to find out more about GN membership, the prize, and how to enter.
Members: If you wish to enter, please click here.
A UHF raido is a must and a satellite phone if going remote be aware where you set up camp we all like to be bear water but sometimes it is stupid to camp right next to it
And please keep.out of heavey vehicle rest areas and there parking spots at servos they don’t care that’s it your holidays they are working ??? if you can’t park in the designated caravan parking supplied because you cand drive or are to lazey or stupid or selfish stay home