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From: Steve Holtzman <sh_at_actglobal.net>
subject: [Paddlewise] SPOT vs. PLB debate
Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 14:36:23 -0800
Just to stir the pot a bit, I thought I'd share 2 stories I heard from a
paddling friend yesterday concerning two friends of his who were both
successfully rescued as a result of having one of these devices.

 

The first incident was a friend who was hiking in the California desert.
Somehow he broke a leg and used his SPOT to summon assistance by pushing the
911 button.

 

The other was a friend who was ice climbing in the Sierra's who had a
companion break a leg. They used an ACR PLB and a helicopter was dispatched
to pick them up.

 

In both cases, it took about 3 hours from the time of the activation until
they were rescued.

 

Steve Holtzman

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From: Alex M <al.m_at_3web.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] SPOT vs. PLB debate
Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 22:41:10 -0800
> The first incident was a friend who was hiking in the California desert.
> Somehow he broke a leg and used his SPOT to summon assistance by pushing 
> the
> 911 button.
>
>
>
> The other was a friend who was ice climbing in the Sierra's who had a
> companion break a leg. They used an ACR PLB and a helicopter was 
> dispatched
> to pick them up.
>
>
>
> In both cases, it took about 3 hours from the time of the activation until
> they were rescued.

Confirms what has already been said few months ago - both can do, with SPOT 
having more limited coverage and more non-emergency functions than PLB, the 
latter being essentially world-wide (availability of local SAR services is a 
different matter).  Last version of ACR "fix" is smaller than prevous models 
(though still an impressive brick in a PFD pocket or on shoulder strap, 
6*2.5*1.25"). 
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