I live rural, NZ’s North Island west coast. Woke with gut pain that got worse. Put dog and PLB in my ute as I thought I could drive to get help. Got worse, rang 111 for ambulance and triggered beacon in case I blacked out as phone reception is sparse. Couldn’t drive anymore, pulled over and waited in worst pain I’ve ever had.

About an hour and a half later the ambo came and a few minutes later my mate who was listed as my beacon’s emergency contact arrived. The whole time I had peace of mind knowing I’d be found. Mate was able to take the dog and deal with the ute whilst the ambulance gave me pain relief and took me to hospital up the long unsealed road.

Pain terrible when I reached hospital, got a bit better with more pain relief. Hours later it ceased. It was a kidney stone! I walked out of hospital before nightfall and was reunited with dog and ute.

I originally got the beacon to use whilst on the water and then decided to bring it with me whilst driving some years ago. Never thought a tiny kidney stone would be the thing that would make me need to trigger it! A must have for people living remotely on the fringes of reception.