Consider carrying an EPIRB or a PLB as a part of your outdoor safety equipment

Senior Constable Jane Moran

WHAT does an EPIRB or a PLB do?

An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is an electronic device that, when activated, assists rescue authorities to locate those in distress.

Once you activate the device, it transmits a distress frequency alarm signal.

This signal is received by satellite, which is part of an international search and rescue satellite system.

Once this system receives your signal, it notifies your nearest ground station.

Far North police would like to remind anyone bush walking or planning a trip where phone reception will be scarce to consider carrying an EPIRB or a PLB as a part of their safety equipment.

We know the more remote we are, phone reception and the passing of motorists or anyone, is less likely if we happen to find ourselves lost, injured, or ill.

Having an EPIRB or a PLB gives us the best chance of reaching the outside world should you require it, and keeping a PLB securely on your person allows easy access for any emergency.

Around 6.30 pm on Monday night (March 20), a 30-year-old Melbourne man activated his EPIRB after he slipped on rocks whilst fishing at Tully Gorge Camping Grounds, sustaining a suspected broken left forearm.

He was riding his bicycle solo from Melbourne to Cairns when the accident occurred.

Expecting limited reception in certain areas and the bicycle being his mode of transport, he was prepared for all events.

Carrying an EPIRB allowed emergency services to be notified of his location allowing officers to locate him and arrange an ambulance to transport him to Tully Hospital for treatment.

Anyone who enjoys bush walking, fishing or spending time in our great outdoors would find many of the mountains and tracks around the Far North to be on your 'to do list'.

Before you leave for your trek, there are a few safety things you need to consider:

Let someone who is not going know where you are going, your departure time, destination and approximate arrival time.

Cary suitable food and plenty of water for the duration of the trip.

Carry a charged mobile phone or satellite phone.

A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is a good alternative when phone reception is poor.

Carry a first aid kit.

Pack suitable clothing for the planned trip.