Emergency kit for day hikes

[gdurkee]

With the InReach you can do two way texting to anyone with an email address, another InReach or, I'm pretty sure, a text message to a phone (hmmm. Some or all of that anyway). The reply email needs to be done through their web interface. Also, when the emergency button is activated, InReach can then text directly to that unit and get details on the problem as well, of course, as notifying the responsible agency.

The older SPOTs had no texting capability. Some new models have outgoing texting when paired (????) with a phone.

Both have the ability to send canned messages you've programmed beforehand though the InReach allows, I think, any number of messages and the SPOT only 3. In both cases, the messages are stored on their server and all you have to do is enter the number of the message (InReach) or press the "OK" button to the number of times representing the message (SPOT).

It's been awhile since I've used either but I think that close... .

George

[SirBC]

With the InReach you can do two way texting to anyone with an email address, another InReach or, I'm pretty sure, a text message to a phone (hmmm. Some or all of that anyway). The reply email needs to be done through their web interface. Also, when the emergency button is activated, InReach can then text directly to that unit and get details on the problem as well, of course, as notifying the responsible agency.

George

Thanks, that answers my question. Being able to text with the InReach folks, who can then pass along that into to SAR, sounds like it could be very helpful.

[rlown]

The older SPOTs had no texting capability. Some new models have outgoing texting when paired (????) with a phone.

Aside from the pairing issue with a cell phone with no coverage, can SPOT be activated from inside a tent? In other words, will it work or does it really need to be set up in clear sight of the sky for 20 mins w/o weather?

[LMBSGV]

From my experience, the SPOT does not work from inside the tent. One needs a clear view of the sky. I have had it work when there is a clear view up and it's raining since even with the rain, it can lock onto the satellite.

[gdurkee]

Both the SPOT and InReach are, of course, looking for a satellite signal so the more stuff in the way (trees, rain, cliffs, tent) the poorer the fix. To complicate things, they work on two kinda different satellite systems. I may have it mixed up but I think SPOT is low earth orbit and InReach higher (InReach uses the Iridium sat system, SPOT is GEOS (???)). Still, if you you have a gizmo (phone or dedicated GPS) that gives fix, then either has a fair chance of also working. Also, to text with SPOT it's just bluetooth, so you don't actually need a cell connection. The app makes the phone a keyboard for outbound messages. InReach has a similar ability to pair on some of its models.

All that said, the better the horizon, the higher the chance of a fix. I was following a friend with a ping every 15 minutes. Her signal disappeared for about an hour+ going down the South Fork of the Kings from the JMT crossing and emerging once again when she neared the pass above Lake Basin (memory has taken a teensy nap -- can't remember the pass!).

[rlown]

Interesting.. My Garmin 12xl that I used on the boat was under a 5/8" piece of marine plywood (roof) and surrounded by the aluminum supports. Always linked up fine. I can't see how a tent would get in the way of syncing up given the frequencies. Guess If I need help, I could stand out in the storm and wait until the SPOT light goes green. Sounds cold though.

For fun: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iridium_s ... stellation
and: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Globalstar

And the most important part of an emergency kit (to me) is having a friend along, within site on my little day hikes.

[Harlen]

"And the most important part of an emergency kit (to me) is having a friend along, within site on my little day hikes."

I feel the same way exactly Russ. And make sure his pack is full of medicinal brandy- Grand Marnier works best on me.

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[rlown]

Have you taught Bear CPR yet?

Bubba jumped on my chest a few times and it either meant "I need to pee, dad" or "quit snoring."

I know CPR and basic first aid, and at least 1 in my usual party does. That's an important part of the puzzle, if in a group. As we fish, we generally can see each other during the time around the lake.

[SNOOOOW]

PS: I'm not sure I would close a wound in the field under non-sterile conditions. The risk of infection in a closed wound would increase the danger of a worse outcome. I would think an open and draining wound is preferable though might later require cosmetic surgery if a scar is a concern. An ER won't suture a wound after about 8 hours, thus there's usually no point in sending someone out with a significant laceration since it'll take that long to get out, usually. (Well, not quite true since it can be cleaned professionally, just not sutured).[/quote]

A rinse of a wound with clean stream or lake water would suffice prior to a minor suture job in the wild, especially if the wound is not serious. And if you're a little weary of the water source you can filter the water, then rinse the wound then suture. I have seen a suture job done in the backcountry as well as a glue job that resulted in no issues and allowed us to continue our trips.

[gdurkee]

True that both glue and sutures do work. That said, a few years ago University Medical Center (Fresno and the medical supervision for EMT's and Parkmedics in Sequoia Kings) told us to not even use butterfly's anymore. And Ah Ha! Serendipity at work! Moments ago, a friend of mine -- retired Director of ER at UC Davis, came by. He said that, at most and only with a wide (spread) wound, that he'd irrigate thoroughly, with iodine in the water, then use steri-strips to bring the wound only partially (!) together so it could still drain. Same with sutures, were one to do that. Don't close the wound.

In all my years treating wounds in the backcountry, I've only ever irrigated (I carry a 50 cc syringe for that), put compress & bandage on (control bleeding, cover wound from infection, protect from further injury). Then I strongly urge them to go to someone who knows what they're doing -- an ER or their own doctor.