Lives saved
0
Hunting
Mountain
Medical emergency
ACR PLB Used in Emergency During Ashburton Lakes Hunting Trip
-43.614389°S, 171.1686837°E
Posted on April 27, 2026 by Bruce Lamb
What happened?
On 23 May 2023, decorated Police Dog Handler Bruce Lamb was on a hunting trip with friends in the remote Ashburton Lakes area of Canterbury. An experienced outdoorsman, Bruce was carrying his ACR personal locator beacon.
As the group made their way back after a day in the hills, Bruce suddenly collapsed after suffering a heart attack. His friends immediately began CPR and activated his beacon.
After an hour of continuous CPR, help arrived via rescue helicopter. The rescue team transported Bruce to Christchurch Hospital, but tragically, he could not be saved.
Bruce’s passing marked the end of an extraordinary life of service. He joined the New Zealand Police at 18 and served for 45 years, becoming one of the country’s longest-serving police dog handlers. Widely respected for his bravery and dedication, he received multiple commendations, including gold and silver bars for bravery.
Bruce was admired for his willingness to put himself in harm’s way to protect others.
Over the course of his career, Bruce survived several life-threatening incidents in the line of duty and during outdoor pursuits, often crediting emergency services and his ACR beacon as a vital lifeline when it mattered most.
Words of wisdom
Bruce did what he loved, in a place he respected, with the right equipment. But the backcountry is unforgiving. A PLB is essential, not optional. Plan well. Look after your mates. And remember who you’re coming home to
Thank you note
A big thanks to the team at ACR for producing reliable, equipment designed to save lives in the harshest environments. While nothing can undo our loss, we’re grateful for companies that continue to innovate and advocate for backcountry safety – as Bruce did.
Rescue location
Ashburton Lakes 7771, New Zealand
Rescue team
Helicopter Rescue
