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Canyoning death in Blue Mountains 15-Jan-2010 At 5:30:29 PM J Qui

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On 14/01/2010 patto wrote:
>On 14/01/2010 gordoste wrote:
>>are the beacons any use in canyons?
>
>Most canyon accidents don't have time for beacons. If you get into trouble
>things can turn pear shaped pretty quickly. I had some friends of friends
>get into trouble last summer. Minor mishaps can spiral out of control
>when there is cold water involved.
>
>Have a read of this
>if you haven't already. It is a sobering account of a tragic canyoning
>accident death.
>

Gordoste
The technology used in beacons nowadays is far superior than even a couple of years ago, which may
allow for the use of beacons under coverage/dense foliage and in canyons. Of course there will be
many factors that either improve or worsen
their abilities.

Patto
I disagree with you, however perhaps I have misinterpreted your comment about not having enough
time for beacons. All accidents that occur in remote areas, which as you correctly say "can turn pear
shape pretty quickly", will undoubtedly benefit from a beacon. Recovery times for emergency services
can take hours through to days - a locating beacon will most certainly reduce this time frame of
location and recovery.

If we consider the 'deteriorating patient' or a group of ill-equipped hikers/canyoners who are cold, lost,
hungry with injuries, how can you rationalise against the possession and use of a beacon? It takes one
person, only seconds to deploy a beacon - such a small distraction when considering the potentially
long, anxious wait and frustrating management (or lack thereof if you are not competent in remote
area/wilderness first aid) of the sick, injured, lost or whinging or all of the above.