PLB

PLBs are Emergency Life Saving devices to be used when all else fails. Advances in PLB Technology have made transmission, location and rescue faster than ever before. A PLB is a small transmitter that sends out a personalized emergency distress signal to your nearest rescue services.

If you are a hunter, hiker, camper, backpacker, kayaker, etc. and are simply out of cell phone range, a PLB is a highly effective and internationally recognized way to summon help. A PLB should be used only in situations of Grave and Imminent Danger or “life threatening situations”.

Answer:
Well, if you have a marine background and are familiar with EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) then you know exactly what this product is and how it works. EPIRBs are basically PLBs that are specific for the Marine Environment. They have been in use for over 20 years and have saved over 15,000 lives. However, the EPIRB/PLB technology was not legal for use in land based application.

The technology is governed by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and was legalized for terrestrial use by backpackers, campers, hikers, etc. on July 1, 2003.

The reason it was not available is because there was not one unified overseeing body for land based rescues, using one type of Search and Rescue software. Each state has different organizations handling different types of rescues and no one agency acted as the point of contact for NOAA. In a marine environment, there is only one rescuing agency, the US Coast Guard. So coordinating rescues and responses has been a relatively easy task.

Now the FCC, NOAA and the US Air Force have gotten together to make the AFRCC (Air Force Rescue Coordination Center) the point of contact for land based rescues. The AFRCC, in turn has established relationships and points of contact in each state. Each state is upgrading their Search and Rescue software to make it compatible with that of the AFRCC's. So, whenever a land based PLB is set off, the AFRCC will know exactly who to contact for a rescue response

Answer:
Each PLB is equipped with a UIN (Unique Identifying Number). This number is a 15 digit alphanumeric code. This code is what is transmitted in the electronic burst to the satellites. The UIN is linked to a computer database. The electronic burst provides Search and Rescue with your location, while the UIN links to the database and provides your name, address, phone number and any pertinent information such as medical problems, of which Search and Rescue should be aware. You may also file updated trip reports before each trip.

When you buy a PLB, it is imperative that you register it with NOAA. In doing so, they will tie all your personal information into the 15 digit UIN. That way, when your PLB is activated anywhere on the planet, Search and Rescue will know who you are, where you are and how to handle any pre-existing medical problems when they reach you.

Question:
When and where do I use one?

Answer:
You should carry one whenever you go a field and there is any chance you could get in trouble.

Question:
I can see needing it for a western trip or Alaska for sure but what about the fact that I usually hunt and fish close to home?

Answer:
Most outdoor emergencies happen close to home. Four wheelers flip, snowmobiles break through the ice, hunters fall out of trees, boats swamp, tractors tip over and trees fall on cutters every day. All close to home. Safety preparedness is about more than getting lost, its about dealing with emergencies.

Question:
Why do they say PLB's take the "search" out of search and rescue? Don't they still have to look for you?

Answer:
Sure, but the signal is capable of transmitting your location with sufficient accuracy to allow rescuers to just about pinpoint your location. Huge search parties and expensive time consuming searches are not required.

Answer:
Where do we start? Cell signals are seldom found in remote locations. Cell batteries always seem to quit when you need them most. Cell phones are not engineered to withstand the elements, be dropped, float or frozen. Plus, they are hard to use when hypothermic or severely injured. PLBs are made to withstand the elements, turn on easily and keep signaling until shut off by rescuers.

Answer:
Not really, about the price of a new gun. Wives and kids like to give them for Father's Day, Christmas and birthdays.