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Communication (Options (cell phone (unlike other devices mentioned that…
Communication
Options
whistles
useful for noise signal and easy to attach to PFD or backpack
mirrors
can be a reflect off the sun for visual signal
flashlights
works as "lamp" during night but is also a good signal
not as bright as a flare or laser, but still useful if people to rescue are closer by
not very useful in the day time
strobe
acts similarly to a laser device
laser
laser lights up sky at night and can be reflective during day
easy to attach to PFD and have readily available if paddling
usually visible for about 20 miles on a clear night and 2 during day
flare gun
good for visual and audio signal
limited in the amount of times you can send signal
cell phone
only works if there is cell service
not reliable in the backcountry
unlike other devices mentioned that run off of batteries, cell phones need to be recharged with phone cord and outlet
some alternatives like solar charging devices, but they're often unreliable and don't charge fast
dies quickly
don't work well in the cold or heat and often turn completely off
satellite beacons
similar to EPIRBs but smaller since they are supposed to be carried on the person using it (McCrystal, 2019)
also called PLBs (personal location beacons)
shorter transmission time than EPIRBs (24 hours as opposed to the latter's 48 minimum)
"An EPIRB is registered to a vessel, whereas a PLB is registered to a person" (McCrystal, 2019)
this means if you switch boats with someone, you will not have to re-register your PLB, but would have to do so with an EPIRB (McCrystal, 2019)
satellite phone
acts similar to cell phone but works off of satellite instead of cell towers, so there is still signal in the backcountry
run off of batteries instead of charger, so if it dies you can just replace batteries
SPOT
device to send messages and track location/ GPS via satellite
EPIRB
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
"used to alert search and rescue services in the event of an emergency" (McCrystal, 2019)
send coded message for help via satellite and also send off user's location to nearest rescue center
most commonly used with marine vessels but also by kayakers
Recognized Emergency Communication Systems
911
quickest and easiest option with cell phones, but only works if cell phone works
channel 16
international calling and distress channel
3s or 6s
signaling in groups of 3 (3 whistle blows or flares) is international signal of distress
with visual signals (fires) make triangle with 3 separate fires
most places recognize emergency signals in groups of 3s but some places (like the Alps) recognize groups of 6
SOS
originated as Morse code signal but can also be used by saying "SOS" over the radio
Morse Code: ". . . – – – . . ."
Mayday
radio signal meaning "distress"
often said 3 times in a row
used over SOS often because it is clearer over the radio
"The severity of this call is so extraordinary that if a false one is made, either as a prank or on accident, the fine can reach $250,000 and one can serve up to six years in prison." (The Sporkle Blog, 2018)
ground to air
fire/ smoke
make sure fires are big, tall, and have as much smoke as possible for increased visibility
smoke signals
signal from the highest elevation you can get to and stand in an open space if possible
flares/ strobe
phonetics
purpose is to be clear on the radio, so as to not confuse letters or words
Alfa, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hotel, India, Juliett, Kilo, Lima, Mike, November, Oscar, Papa, Quebec, Romeo, Sierra, Tango, Uniform, Victor, Whiskey, X-ray, Yankee, Zulu.
purpose: universal systems to use for communication almost anywhere in the world
PR
sponsors
can get free or discounted gear from companies by taking pictures with or using their products on expeditions
companies may sponsor an expedition
keep in touch with sponsors and have messages with communication devices include them while on expeditions
fans
can grow a fan base through marketing
updating and documenting expeditions on social media can create fan base, which will attract more sponsors
marketing
companies may pay for your wilderness pictures or expeditions stories
they will also want to be included in communication on trips
important to journal/ document trips for PR purposes
communication and documenting on trips can lead to large income source and open opportunities for more sponsors and fans
Convenience
logistics
have plan of who is carrying communication device and when to check in with home base
what to do if you don't receive message back from home base
home base should also be sending "check-ins" to let you know that they have been receiving your messages, and that you are able to get theirs
"phone home"
have device send message back to members of group, organization, or sponsorship to make sure you are safe and keep them updated
if going on an expedition for a company or for a magazine/ blog story, give them reports of what you did every day for PR purposes
cell phones
useful for taking pictures and sharing wilderness experience with others, but are annoying to group and mess up outdoor "aesthetic" or take away wilderness experience
have made people go outdoors more unprepared because they have the convenience of calling for help on phone
calling emergency services when not needed
when they lose service or phone dies, they are more prone to danger
liability when you don't bring it as group leader
Emergencies
help
in situations where you need help, contact your home base on your communication device and make a plan with them
rescue
SOS button on communication device
figure out best plan to evacuate
difference between needing help and needing to be rescued
not all times that you need help are an emergency
ex. needing help determining a plan b if plans are skewed, obtaining more food sooner than expected, etc
rescues are urgent and need to be dealt with immediately, while help is not as urgent
in rescues, the group must be evacuated, whereas you may be able to continue to expedition after getting help without leaving the backcountry
Planning
pre-arranged check ins
have check in time with home base at certain time in he morning and at night
also check in if doing anything major (when you get to the top of a peak for example)
come up with an EAP (emergency action plan) for embarking on any expedition
when to evactuate, who will call for help, what will rest of group do, etc
References
The Sporkle Blog (2018, July 8).
A Call for Help- What Does Mayday Mean?
https://www.sporcle.com/blog/2018/07/a-call-for-help-what-does-mayday-mean/
Sean (2019, March 20).
What is an EPIRB?
https://www.oroliamaritime.com/2019/03/20/what-is-an-epirb/