006 // Linda from AMSA is an expert on satellite communications

09/29/23 • 56 min

Rescued: An Outdoor Podcast for Hikers and Adventurers

We venture into wild places to get away from it all.

But when it comes to calling for help, letting someone know that we’re delayed or even just giving our loved ones peace of mind, we have to rely on satellite communication methods - because mobile phone coverage often doesn’t reach to where we want to go.

In this episode, I speak with Linda Berryman from AMSA (that’s the Australian Maritime Safety Authority) in Canberra.

We do a deep dive into Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), along with 2-way communication devices (such as Zoleo, InReach or SPOT trackers). And yep, we also talk about the satellite capability with the iPhone 14 and some other very exciting technology that is just around the corner.

Visit the AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) website

If you accidentally activate your beacon, call: 1800 641 792

Other AMSA Contacts

We venture into wild places to get away from it all.

In this episode, I speak with Linda Berryman from AMSA (that’s the Australian Maritime Safety Authority) in Canberra.

Visit the AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) website

If you accidentally activate your beacon, call: 1800 641 792

Other AMSA Contacts

Previous Episode

005 // Owen & the Australian Alps Walking Track

We all know the importance of having solid first aid skills when we head off into the bush. A good remote area first aid course not only gives us the technical know-how of what to do in an emergency, but confidence to step in and act when someone suffers an injury.

However, there’s something that first aid courses can’t really prepare us for that can leave us feeling vulnerable especially when travelling solo.

In this episode, I hear from experienced bushwalker, cross-country skier, runner and all round adventure traveller, Owen, on what happened during day 24 of the 650 km Australian Alps Walking trail when he found himself alone and pushing the SOS button.

Episode takeaways:

The value of good planning
To consider how to deal with medical emergencies in the bush, not just obvious first aid
Being aware of the limitations of solo walking - not able to share the load of decision making and actions
Value of testing and checking charge on satellite comms
Making well thought out decisions in the middle of crisis
Value of satellite comms and the SOS button
Importance of finding closure after an incident

Next Episode

007 // James is Buried Alive

In what must be the most basic of human fears, James woke up to find himself buried alive.

Outside, the wind buffeted the Main Range, out past Mt Kosciusko, but all was quiet inside his cosy, white snow cave.

In this episode of Rescued, we hear from James and his mate Dylan, as they talk about their two very different experiences of this epic backcountry adventure and how escape was just the beginning.

Sincere thanks to James for sharing his very personal story.

Thanks to sponsor Paddy Pallin

Transcript and show notes TBC at https://lotsafreshair.com/category/podcast/