At approximately 1pm on Saturday, 6 February, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority in Canberra picked up a distress signal that had been relayed by satellite from a 406 PLB that had been activated in the Crediton State Forest near Eungella, Australia.
While en route to the location provided by the 406 beacon, police were notified that a hiker had suffered a medical emergency deep in the forest and needed urgent medical assistance.
The Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) joined the search and located a group of six hikers in the exact location where the 406 beacon had been activated.
The incident highlights the life saving capabilities of 406 PLBs when adventuring or working in remote areas where there is little or no mobile phone service.
The area in Australia has a “Get Lost” program that provides free 406 beacon rentals, a joint initiative between the police service and community partners.
Read more here:
https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/mackay/2021/02/09/the-little-device-that-could-save-a-life/