Re: Being Prepared

Hi John,
could you make the attachement a PDF or post the text directly? There might be quite a few people out there, including me, who are not able or willing to open MS Word documents from the web because of security concerns.

Thanks.

Hi RoJo

Thanks for that. See the new file.

Cheers
John

There is a brand new device on the market called the spot messenger I purchased one just before I departed on a Tasmanian expedition and it came in real handy . On the west coast I was picked up by one of those waves you see in extreme surfing videos and slammed so hard that I couldn't recall what happened until I eventually resurfaced and then came the ordeal of a failed self rescue and ensuing rescue . see www.findmespot.com and check up on this remarkable device. I won't go paddling without it !

Nice, pity they won't be selling many in SA.

There are GPS enabled satellite EPIRBs that send a unique code identifier so rescuers know where, who and what to search to search for. These do not have an annual fee like the SPOT. DSC digital selective calling marine VHF radios also can send a coded GPS position, but satellite coverage may not be in your area. You would have to resend a distress call to show a new position if you were drifting.( You may not know that you're drifting without a land reference)



re ANAPHYLACTIC shock in original MS Word doc; Would a plastic airway be of value for a victim who was not vomiting, but unconscious and having trouble breathing?

I believe you are refering to an oropharangyl (SP, Sorry) airway and the tricks are weather or not you have the right size, are you trained to insert it and can you given the degree of swelling from the anaphalaxis. All great stuff to think about, maybe take an advanced wilderness first aid course and get the info to answer this query. Another possibility is sub-lingual benedryl and again most important is the TRAINING !

Just received my West Marine brochure, and SPOT does not have satellite coverage in South Africa.

For more on SPOT:

www.findmespot.com/Home.aspx