Personal Locator Beacons

Technology, Idiots and Instructions: two of these always seem to get connected and the third one never gets read or used!

The question with no answers yet when you discuss Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) is: does the use of PLB’s encourage IIW’s (Idiots in the Wilderness)?

Until such time that we can answer the question, the issue becomes how we get people to read the instructions on how to use, not use and turn off personal locator beacons.

Why? Because they are as much of a problem as they are a lifesaver. SAR reports are full of situations where the beacons came on accidentally (Steve Howe’s Rescue Call from Denali), were switched on when they did not need to be (Yuppie 911) or the people no longer needed rescued but did not turn the PLB’s off.

This is not counting the IIW who thought his PLB was an avalanche beacon, (Alpine Rescue Team needs your help – PLB false alerts in Berthoud Pass (Colorado) area, This is starting to become stupid, Well they found him. He thought his PLB was an avalanche beacon.)
Or the IIW’s who thought the park service was a personal valet called by their PLB, Grand Canyon hikers summon rescue helicopter with beacon because their water ‘tasted salty’.

These examples are the extreme ones that make the news. What does not get press are the constant calls and responses by Search and Rescue (SAR) groups. A major reason is people do not read the instructions with the PLB or do not have access to all the instructions. ?

Yes, a lot of the information on how to use some PLB’s is either hard or impossible to find. So when the information below floated by, I knew I had to post it.

If you own a Spot PLB, or going out with someone who does read the following. You may even want to print this information out and carry it with you.

** During a SAR, would the agency be able to access the person’s online shared page (useful to look at historic progress to estimate hiking speed, ability and route decisions).
Only if contact is made with one of the registered owner’s emergency contacts, and they have the link and are willing to share the password and login to view the historical data received from the unit.
** What if a signal is sent and SPOT is not registered?
SPOT will NOT transmit an SOS/911 signal, unless the SPOT unit is registered with active service.
** COMMAND > OFF: Does turning the unit off while a function is active send a message, e.g., does it send a cancellation message for any command?
(Some users think so, but probably not.)
No, Powering the SPOT unit down or off does not send a cancel message but stops the message cycle. The only message mode that can send a cancel message is Help and SOS/911. To do so, the unit has to already be active in either Help or SOS/911 mode. Next, press and hold the Help or SOS/911 button until the LED light for that message mode turns blinks red. Cancel works like Check-In. It sends one message repeated 3 times. So it takes about 15-20 minutes to complete its cycle.
** COMMAND > OFF > ON: If a function is active and the unit is turned off and then on, does the function resume (via internal memory, after the self-test) or does turning the unit off erase any command?
The function will need to be reactivated once the device is turned on. Messages are not stored. The SPOT unit will only be powered on and in “stand-by” mode until a message function is engaged.
**If the unit can’t get GPS coordinates it won’t send an OK message. (Unlike HELP and 911)
Confirm that if SPOT can’t get location it won’t send an OK message.
This is correct. SPOT will not transmit a message in the Check-ok, Custom Message or Tracking mode, unless it has a GPS fix. However, SPOT will still transmit the message in the Help and SOS/911 modes if it doesn’t have a GPS fix. This way, the IERCC can look at previous messages to get an idea of the location and begin processing for additional information. Both Help and SOS/911 modes transmit every 5 minutes so if one message doesn’t have a GPS fix, the next ones may. The GPS chipset will continue to look for 4 minutes between cycles.
Cancel HELP by pressing HELP button until it turns red.
This is done by pressing and holding the Help message function button until the message function button LED light turns blinks red. This unit must already be in the Help or SOS/911 mode in order to send a cancel message.
** Does cancellation message repeat?
Both Help and SOS/911 message cancellation sends one message repeated over 3 attempts times in a 15-20 minute cycle to ensure reliability.
** If there is no 911 message, but the team sees HELP, thinks there is trouble and calls IERCC, can IERCC access data?
The IERCC does have the capability to contact technical support personnel that can access the data. This does take several minutes to access. Keep in mind, if someone receives a SPOT Help message, it will contain the SPOT ESN number, Lat and Long coordinates, the SPOT user’s pre-programmed message and a link to Google Maps.
** Why doesn’t website or manual give examples of how HELP has been useful and suggestions for effective use, e.g., a preplan for Team?
SPOT has highlighted user case studies using both the Help and SOS/911 button on the Rescues and testimonial section of findmespot.com, online newsletter, and retail in-store videos. However, SPOT is currently working on a user tips campaign to help educate SPOT users on best practice and operation procedures for each message mode especially for Help and SOS/911. SPOT is increasing these efforts to user education.
** What happens if you send a second 911 (press the button briefly) while SPOT is sending its stream of 911 messages?
This will NOT disrupt the SOS/911 message cycle. The only interruption will result from a Cancel or Power Off function.
** Does 911 resume if the device is turned OFF then turned ON, or dead batteries are replaced?
Probably not, otherwise there would be false alarms. 911 will send a distress message, even if can’t get location. (Like HELP)
SOS/911 will ONLY transmit a message when the SPOT unit is powered ON and the user activated the SOS/911 mode by pressing the button. It will NOT resume if the device is turned off and back on or if the batteries die and are then replaced. This stops the message function.
Yes, SOS/911 will transmit a message, even if SPOT doesn’t have the GPS location fix. This is very beneficial as it allows the IERCC the opportunity to begin its process of gathering additional information and working coordinating efforts. They also have the ability to review previous messages (OK, Track or Help) that may have been sent prior, giving an idea of the area where the SPOT user is located.
** Does the distress message go out every 5 minutes until batteries die? (Manual doesn’t say.)
Yes, the SOS/911 message will transmit every 5 minutes for the life of the battery until cancelled or the device is turned off. (pg 16 of the SPOT 2 user manual). The manual for the original SPOT Satellite Personal Tracker does not state this. However, the FAQ section of findmespot.com does state this.
** Do all subsequent signals, including OK, Tracking, and HELP go to IERC?
If the 911/SOS function is activated the IERCC will be able to view all additional functions leading up to the 911/SOS activation and any additional functions activated after the emergency activation until the incident is resolved on the IERCC’s monitoring software.
** Do any subsequent signals, e.g., OK or HELP, go to Team and or to web account?
All the subsequent signals from the device are able to be viewed on the shared page for the device and/or the contacts whom the registered owner has selected an e-mail notification be sent to.
“GEOS Alliance™ operators call customer’s contacts to confirm if the user is potentially in a life threatening emergency.”
Prior to contacting emergency services in the event that a 911/SOS alert is received, IERCC SAR Mission Coordinators (SMC) and Watch Standers (W/S) will attempt to contact the registered owner at the contact numbers provided. This is to try and gather additional information that may be helpful to rescue agencies but also is used to help determine quickly if the signal was a false alarm. (Is the unit currently with the registered owner or was it lent to a friend for a trip, known medical conditions, etc.) If contact is not made with the registered owner, or it is determined that the device is not in the registered owner’s possession. The SMC will contact emergency services based on the latitude and longitude and pass the information regarding the incident. At the same time, IERCC W/S’s begin contacting the registered owner’s emergency contacts to gather additional information that can aid emergency personnel in affecting a rescue. This information will be passed as it is received from the registered owner’s contacts. Throughout an incident IERCC personnel will continue to stay in contact or attempt to contact the registered owner’s emergency contacts to gather additional information to pass to emergency services.
** What proof does the IERCC accept that there is no emergency after 911 activation?
Contact with the registered owner confirming the false alarm, confirmation from emergency services that contact has been made with the registered owner or that registered owner has been located.
What does SPOT pamphlet/instructions say about what constitutes an emergency?
User manual states: For life-threatening or other critical situations.
Website states: Use this function. In the event of a life threatening or other critical emergencies to notify emergency services of your GPS location, and that you need assistance.
** When does the IERCC stop monitoring SPOT after a 911 and returns to normal operations?
After it is confirmed that assistance is no longer needed from the registered owner/or the emergency personnel informs the IERCC that they have located and assisted the individuals in need.
** What else does IERCC ask contacts?
Itinerary, number in party, activity, skill level, names/ages of parties involved, medical history, supplies and equipment, descriptions, last contact, vehicle description.
** Does GEOS dispatch have a written protocol and/or list of questions to ask emergency contacts?
YES
** Can we get a copy of that SOP?
To ensure operational security I cannot release the IERCC’s SOP. The questions are based on the listed categories above. We can put in place a Memorandum of Understanding as we have in place with various Rescue Coordination Centers and response agencies.
** Will the IERCC always release the emergency contact information?
The IERCC release’s all the information obtained regarding an incident to ensure that SAR personnel have all the details available to facilitate the SAR response. The information passed includes, but is not limited to: position, location from a prominent landmark, registered owner name, registered owners contact information, including address and e-mail address, emergency contacts names and numbers, number of people involved, itinerary, description, known health concerns, vehicle description, age, skill level, supplies and equipment. Obtaining some of this information is dependent on contact being made with the registered owners’ emergency contacts.
** IERCC only gives out geographic (e.g. physical description to geo feature) location if asked – not SOP. True?
This is not true; the IERCC is capable of passing the location in several formats. If there is a prominent landmark (i.e. trail head, lake, road, ranger station) available our personnel will pass that information to emergency services.
911 Cancellation Message
Cancel 911 by depressing the 911 button > 5 sec or until button flashes red.
Correct
** Does a 911 cancellation go only to IERCC? I think so.
Yes
** Does a 911 cancellation continue every 5 minutes until turned off or batteries die, like a 911?
No, the cancel sends one message over three attempts over a 15-20 minute cycle. (same as Check/OK)
** If you activate 911, then turn the unit off, does that send a cancellation message?
If the unit is turned off while the 911/SOS function is active the unit does not send a cancel message, and it also does not send a message stating that the unit has been turned off. With that being said there is no way to determine if the unit has been turned off or is experiencing interference sending the message out so our personnel continue to work at an incident until confirmation has been made that there is no longer an emergency. Simply not receiving updates from the unit does not mean the IERCC resolves the incident.
** What happens if the first command you give is a 911 cancellation, without first activating 911? I.e., you hold the button down for > 5 sec? Does it simply go out as 911 or does holding down the button prevent 911 and send a cancellation? Or something else?
The unit can actually send a cancellation message to the IERCC without receiving a 911 message first. This has happened only on one occasion.
** If you sent a 911, but you didn’t notice that it didn’t go out, and then you sent a cancellation that did go out, would the IERC only see a cancellation with no previous 911?
Yes it can happen, but again it has only happened once in over two years. It should be mentioned that the unit’s LED would inform the user that one of the two functions were enabled.
** How would the IERCC respond in that case? Would they notify the EMA?
Our personnel will attempt to contact the registered owner and the emergency contacts to try and gather information on the incident. If contact is not made and if a position is available emergency services will be contacted. In these case emergency services will be advised that the activation was received in the cancel mode.
** Is this scenario possible or is it stupid? (I’m assuming totally ignorant users.)
It is possible.
** Can trying to send another 911 message while 911 is already activated, unintentionally send a 911 cancellation if the button is depressed too long? I assume so. This would occur if the user were panicked and/or didn’t understand the device and thought he had to keep sending 911 manually. For example, a bystander trying to operate the victim’s SPOT.
Yes if the user fails to operate the unit correctly.
** What happens when you send a 911 cancellation and then send OK?
The IERCC will see the both messages and inform the responding agency of the messages. The listed contacts under the users OK message profile will only receive the OK message as an SMS text, an email, or on the registered owners shared page. This provides additional info to the IERCC which can be communicated to the agency.
** What if the first 911 cancellation didn’t get out?
SPOT attempts to send 3 cancellation messages over a 15-20 minute cycle.
** If the SPOT only sends one 911 cancellation, not every 5 minutes like a 911 message, couldn’t they miss it if the signal doesn’t get out? Or does the SPOT know that and keep trying?
SPOT has a 99.94% reliability rate for message transmissions. However, if the unit did not have a clear view of the sky than its possible the cancellation message may never be received.
** After a 911, if you skip the 911 cancel message and just hit OK, what does the IERCC see?
The only way that an O.K. message can be sent after activating the 911 feature is to cancel the 911, or turn off the device and then turn it back on and send an O.K. message. The IERCC will see that the O.K. message was sent from the device after the last 911 message. Personnel from the IERCC will then inform the responding agency of the receipt of the O.K. message.
** Does OK have no effect in that situation, since 911 overrides OK?
Emergency Services will be informed of the O.K. message being sent. That is the only effect it has on the issue.
** If it does send an OK (with no 911 cancel signal) that the same as a 911 cancellation to the IERCC?
No it is not the same; people may send O.K. messages to inform their friends and families that they are not injured. This does not mean that an emergency exists with someone else or that assistance is still needed. We do not have the means to make that determination.
** What does a 911 cancellation message say?
The cancellation message changes the status of the incident on our monitoring software; it also stops the receipt of any additional 911 messages.
** Does GEOS understand that agencies cannot usually cancel their response without direct contact with the user (or the SPOT)?
Every member of our team are either current first responders working on a part time basis, former first responders, or former military search and rescue professionals. So yes everyone is aware of response procedures and policies.
Per manual, use 911/HELP combination to notify IERCC and your team simultaneously.
GEOS recommends against this combination. (To keep the team from interfering.)
Correct.
Miscellaneous Questions and Comments
** Does SPOT keep data on false reports?
Yes we use a shared ticket/call log system, so SPOT has access to all the data inputted from the IERCC.
** What is SPOT’s false alarm rate? (That might be hard to quantify.)
As with any emergency device false alarms can occur. However, in excess of 90% of the false alarms are determined to be a false alarm prior to emergency services being contacted.
** If we are searching for someone, say a non-SPOT user, can we get a map showing SPOT users in the area who have activated their tracking function, and thereby know where we might find witnesses?
I’m not sure this will be useful, but I won’t know until I ask.

In my opinion, this information could be very useful for SAR personnel. Unfortunately, the problem is that we would have to have the ESN’s of every device in the area.

Thanks to Spot for providing this information. I would encourage all makers of PLB’s to make this information available and make it easily findable on their websites.

Otherwise IWW’s will get charged for SARs, something we are trying to prevent. See No Charge for Rescue.

Copyright 2010 Recreation Law (720) Edit Law, Recreation.Law@Gmail.com