Working Alone in Remote Areas

Every Surveyor has been out on a job in a remote area where their location is known to only a few people. Sure, most of carry cell phones with the ability to call 911. With the newer GPS enabled phones available, perhaps tht is enough. But what happens if you are out of range of the nearest cell tower when that emergency strikes. Was it an attack by the Africanized bees discussed in the previous post. Did you have a stroke or heart attack, or fall into a hole where you became trapped, or any number of unforeseen events that could occur.

The answer may be a simple as owning one of the newest GPS enabled products to hit the market. The 406 mHz Emergency beacon plus GPS receivers just recently became available for individuals to aid in their location in cases of imminent danger to life.

These units are manufactured and sold by many companies, but perhaps the most well known is ACR Electronics. They manufacture two models. The ACR TerraFix 406I does nt have the built-in GPS receiver, but must intead be connected to an externl unit. The ACR TerraFix 406I/O has a built-in GPS receiver which allows transmission of your exact location to orbiting satellites. At about $100.00 more, this is a logical choice.

The 406.0 MHz units transmit a strong signal that includes the unique serial number built into each device. The signals are monitored by a combination of satellites, including both the polar orbiting satellites of the COSPAS/ SARSAT system and geostationary satellites capable of retransmitting precise position information incorporated in the message transmitted by EPIRBS containing a GPS receiver or connected to an external GPS or Loran C navigator. An emergency signal from a 406 EPIRB is usually noted within a few minutes of being transmitted. The position of the EPIRB is normally known to within a few miles, greatly simplifying search and rescue efforts. The position of an EPIRB transmitting a GPS derived position is precisely known. In addition to the 406.0 MHz signal, the 406 EPIRB transmits a homing signal on 121.5 MHz for the purpose of guiding nearby search aircraft and vessels to the precise location of the beacon.

More information can be obtained from the government website which explains “How They Work“. You should keep in mind that these transmitters are for Emergency Use Only and as explained on another website:

A PLB/P-EPIRB/P-ELT is a satellite-signaling device of last resort, for use when all other means of self-rescue have been exhausted and where the situation is grave and imminent and the loss of life, limb, eyesight or valuable property will occur without assistance. All beacons must be registered following purchase– a simple and quick process, now with a web-base internet filing option. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) manages the registration database in the U.S. for all PLBs, EPIRBs and related beacons.

Maybe this system is overkill, but in case of a life-threatening emergency, it could become the most important purchase of your life. Only you can decide. If you do decide to purchase one for work, it would also be available when you went hiking, camping, or vacationing with your family.