Adventure Gone Wrong: Quick Thinking and Heroic Efforts Save Injured Biker in Outback Australia

Home

/

Survivor Stories

/

Adventure Gone Wrong: Quick Thinking and Heroic Efforts Save Injured Biker in Outback Australia

Adventure Gone Wrong: Quick Thinking and Heroic Efforts Save Injured Biker in Outback Australia
Lives saved

1

Off-road

Off-road

Desert

Desert

Medical emergency

Medical emergency

Normal conditions

Normal conditions

Off-road

Adventure Gone Wrong: Quick Thinking and Heroic Efforts Save Injured Biker in Outback Australia

-28.7184304°S, 138.6303897°E

Posted on September 18, 2024 by Shane

What happened?

A group of friends and I set off on an adventure, tackling the rugged Birdsville Track in outback Australia on our trusty motorcycles. The notorious track is known for its challenging conditions—endless dust, scorching heat, and treacherous terrain.

We had been riding for hours when, out of nowhere, our lead rider suddenly vanished into a swirling cloud of dust. Heartbeats quickened as we raced toward the spot where he disappeared, hoping for the best but fearing the worst.

As the dust finally settled, the scene was grim. The rider, Shane, had been thrown from his bike. His motorcycle lay on its side, several meters away, and Shane was clearly in trouble. He was struggling to breathe and wincing in pain. It was immediately obvious he was too injured to continue. The seriousness of the situation hit us all at once.

Without hesitation, we activated our ResQLink 400 PLB and a Spot Tracker to call for help. As we tended to Shane, trying to make him as comfortable as possible, it became apparent that his condition was worsening. His breathing was labored, and the pain was intensifying. In the isolation of the outback, where time feels slower and every minute counts, we were desperate for help to arrive.

Then, as if by sheer luck, another traveler pulled up on the track. He had a satellite phone, a lifeline in these remote parts. We used it to contact the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), and they assured us that help was on the way.

After what felt like an eternity—2.5 hours—the paramedics arrived, landing on a nearby cattle station. They assessed Shane’s injuries on the spot and realized the gravity of his condition. His chest injury was life-threatening, and he needed immediate care. Shane was quickly transported to the makeshift airstrip, where a plane was waiting to evacuate him to safety.

The onboard doctors had no choice but to perform emergency field surgery right there on the cattle station. Their swift and decisive actions likely saved Shane’s life. Thanks to their efforts, Shane was stabilized and flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where he is now recovering.

Words of wisdom

Be careful out on desert roads. They change without warning.

Thank you note

We activated our PLB – 400 and another traveler set off a Spot Tracker. We waited. Then we received a message on the Spot Tracker that help was on its way. Eventually another traveler with a Sat Phone assisted and we were able to speak with Paramedics.

The team at Aust Maritime Safety Authority advised us that because there were two alerts they could confirm the need for a medical evac rescue. Royal Flying Doctor Service came to the rescue.

Rescue location

Etadunna, SA 5733, Australia

Rescue team

Paramedics

ResQLink™ 400

Go to product details

$379.95$429.95

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   
Clear
Find a dealer

ResQLink™ 400 saves lives

Survivor Stories

Stranded at Sea: Solo Surfski Adventure Turns into Rescue Mission

In Australia, standard procedure requires PLBs to be registered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, who perform an annual registration check. With my PLB registration up to date, I felt confident in activating it at around 3:50 PM.

Read Full Story

Lost at Sea: How a Locator Beacon Reunited a Family After a Kayak Mishap

Panic set in as I paddled frantically to find him. I searched in widening circles but couldn't spot him behind the big waves. Horrible thoughts raced through my mind—why did we go out in these conditions? The weather had turned bad. Had a shark attacked him, or had he hit his head and drowned?

Read Full Story