The story begins with 6 friends pig hunting for 4 days inland Seddon (near Kaikoura) south island New Zealand. We are on a large hill country station (sheep and beef farm) rough terrain and quite isolated. We were successful in getting 5 pigs.

On the final morning, one of the group complained of very severe chest pain, pain down left arm and pins and needles in left hand along with an aching jaw. Classic suspected heart attack symptoms. 

We had no cellphone coverage and were over 30 minutes on an extremely rough track to buildings and reception. 

I activated my PLB at 8.30 am and had the rescue helicopter arrive from Wellington (20 minutes flying time) at 9.30 am. I was the sole person with a PLB. Paramedics stabilised Joe and flew him to Wellington hospital. He was admitted for 4 days and had a stent inserted. 

It is fair to assert that this very quick response may well have saved Joe’s life. 

I have carried a PLB for 8 years whilst hunting and tramping remote areas of New Zealand. This is thankfully the first time that I have had to activate the PLB with a successful outcome. 

Three members of the hunting group have purchased a PLB since the incident.