NZMSC PRESS RELEASE

1 April 2009

Take a reliable means of communication with you

The Mountain Safety Council and LandSAR are concerned by the background to the rescue early last week of a badly injured tramper who had to drag himself through remote bush after falling down a bluff near the Copland Track, south of Fox Glacier. The circumstances highlight the importance of carrying a reliable means of emergency communication when venturing into the bush.

The tramper was found on Monday by hunters, who then walked 13 hours to the nearest house, south of Fox Glacier, and called for help. A rescue helicopter airlifted the man to hospital yesterday morning, where he underwent surgery.

“Mountain Safety Council recommends that you always take a reliable means of communication with you - either a mountain radio, satellite phone, or 406 MHz emergency beacon. Always ensure the emergency communication device is securely affixed to your person so is not dislodged when moving through bush or in a fall,” says Chris Tews, Programme Manager Outdoor Leader & Bush.

“While the tramper had excellent survival skills and a lot of the correct gear, providing greater detail about his intended route and travel and return times before entering the mountains would have greatly assisted in his prompt rescue. That is even more important when you are tramping solo, as was the case in this instance,” says Hadyn Smith, Chief Executive Land SAR.

“People venturing into the bush should always leave a completed Intentions Form with a responsible person with details on the route they intend to take, a bad weather alternative route, who is in the tramping party - including details on names, experience, local knowledge - and the expected time of return.

When venturing into the outdoors both LandSAR and the Mountain Safety Council advise:

• Plan your trip thoroughly, Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. If you have not returned, your contact person will inform the police who can arrange for search and rescue.
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• Be prepared, and prepared for an extended stay. Take adequate clothing, extra food and drink, a communications device such as mountain radio or personal locator beacon and other equipment appropriate to the terrain and conditions.
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• Ensure you have the appropriate experience, local knowledge and navigation skills – know how to use a map and compass
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• Check the weather forecast, Monitor the weather in the days before you leave. Continually monitor weather conditions during the trip
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• Beware of rivers – if in doubt DO NOT CROSS.
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For more information about outdoor safety visit, www.mountainsafety.org.nz or www.landsar.org.nz or 406 MHz beacons visit, www.beacons.org.nz.

Ends