A Hike through the Blue Mountains, Two Helicopter Rescues, and a Story to Remember

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A Hike through the Blue Mountains, Two Helicopter Rescues, and a Story to Remember

A Hike through the Blue Mountains, Two Helicopter Rescues, and a Story to Remember
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A Hike through the Blue Mountains, Two Helicopter Rescues, and a Story to Remember

-33.3856304°S, 150.4865272°E

Posted on January 17, 2025 by Alison

What happened?

It started as a picturesque Saturday morning in the Blue Mountains National Park, Australia. Nine of us from the local bushwalking club set out on what was supposed to be a three-day adventure. As we stepped out of our cars at Dunphy’s Clearing car park, our walk leader narrowly avoided stepping on a six-foot black snake—an adrenaline-filled start that set the tone for the journey ahead.

The trek began with a steep descent toward Breakfast Creek. The overgrown vegetation and poorly defined trail made for tough going in the sweltering 94°F (34°C) heat.

About two miles in, our first challenge struck: my brother-in-law collapsed from heat stroke.

It was our first time activating a ResQLink PLB (Personal Locator Beacon). Within two hours, a rescue helicopter arrived, and a paramedic was winched through the dense canopy to assess him. After stabilizing him, the paramedic and my brother-in-law were hoisted back into the helicopter.

With the casualty evacuated, the group pressed on toward our next rest stop, Frying Pan Flat, another two miles away.

Not long after cresting a spur, one of the walkers cried out in pain, saying she’d been stung. Moments later, I felt a sharp sting on my left arm.

Initially, I dismissed it as nothing serious, as the pain subsided quickly. However, by the time we reached Frying Pan Flat 15 minutes later, I noticed alarming symptoms: itchy soles, a burning sting site, tingling lips, and a tightening throat. My husband, a medical professional, recognized the signs of anaphylaxis and immediately activated another PLB. He administered antihistamines as my condition worsened, with my face swelling and skin burning.

Panic set in as we realized the severity of the situation in such a remote location. I now felt like my skin was on fire and I was uncontrollably shaking.

One group member used her satellite-enabled phone to text emergency services, who confirmed that both land and air rescue teams were en route. Within the hour, another helicopter hovered overhead, this time lowering both a paramedic and a doctor. They quickly stabilized my condition, secured me in a stretcher, and winched me to safety.

It was a day I don’t ever want to repeat!!

Thanks to my ACR beacon and the amazing chopper crew I am alive and the worst case scenario did not eventuate.

Words of wisdom

Trust in the technology

Thank you note

What could have gone wrong big time, didn’t thanks to ACR.

Rescue location

Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia

Rescue team

Local Search and Rescue

ResQLink™ 400

Go to product details

$379.95$419.95

Small but resilient, the ResQLink 400 has been professionally engineered and tested to ensure it can withstand even the harshest elements. This buoyant Personal Locator Beacon requires no subscription for use and can be utilized to enhance your safety in a wide variety of environments. Whether on land, at sea, or in the air, trust that the ResQLink’s satellite precision and military durability, put rescue in the palm of your hands.

 

Features and Benefits:

  • No Subscription Required
  • GPS and Galileo GNSS
  • Built-In Buoyancy
  • Strobe and Infrared Strobe
  • Global Coverage
  • MEOSAR Compatible
  • Small and lightweight
  • 5-year battery life
  • 24+ hours Operational Life**
  • Multi-function Clip System Included
**Based on test report from an accredited laboratory   WARNING: PROP 65   
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