5 October 2011

Brindabella rescue

5 October 2011 | By johnboy

ACT Policing has urged people to be prepared before heading out after a man and two children went missing while four-wheel driving in the Brindabella Mountains on Saturday afternoon (October 2).

ACT Policing Rural Patrol assisted the Specialist Response and Security Tactical Response Team (SRSTR) in the search for the man and two children after they failed to return home on Saturday afternoon.

Several hours after the group was reported missing, the missing man was able to give police his location after seeking the assistance from a trail bike rider who was equipped with a GPS. The man and the two children were eventually located safe and well.

Officer-In-Charge of the Tuggeranong Police Station, Sergeant Rod Anderson said people should make the proper preparations before going bush.

“It’s important people know what they’re up against and prepare accordingly. Food, water as well a torch, map and GPS are essential items to take with you,” he said.

Sergeant Anderson added it was also important to notify friends and family about your planned route and estimated time of your journey as well as seeking local advice and checking the weather forecast before heading out.

[Courtesy ACT Policing]

Join the conversation

All Comments

All Comments
Website Comments
Facebook Comments

LatestOldest

darkmilk3:21 pm 06 Oct 11

For similar money there’s also the SPOT trackers, which have a ‘help’ button as well as the full on SOS like an EPIRB. The idea is that in cases like this where you’re out of phone coverage, can’t make it out alone but are not in an emergency it sends SMSs and emails with your position on google maps to family/friends to come get you so that the full scale emergency services search isn’t needed. Apparently you can hire/borrow them somewhere locally too.

p111:06 am 06 Oct 11

No word as to the reason they didn’t return? Lost? (in which case the trail bike rider could have shown then the way out…) Stuck? Broken Down?

I ask because the police mention “Food, water as well a torch, map and GPS…” as essential items to take with you, but don’t mention taking recovery gear, a competent map reader, basic mechanical skills, or a buddy with another vehicle.

krats9:21 am 06 Oct 11

And don’t run with scissors.

creative_canberran6:27 pm 05 Oct 11

Basic PDBs start at about $300 now while GPS equipped models (which transmit GPS location on a sub carrier and can decrease the time it takes rescuers to locate you) go for a bit more. The batteries (and therefore the units) typically last 6-7 years before they need replacement. Each on is registered and if set off, will inform authorities about emergency contacts, your vehicle details and so on.

Not sure the circumstances in this case, but if you go out of mobile range half regularly, they definitely make sense.