Archive for March 16th, 2009
Treating Injuries and Wounds from an Airplane Crash
An airplane crash is quite frightening, but like any dangerous situation, it’s important to remain calm during and after the event. Following a crash, it’s common to sustain bumps, bruises, and more serious injuries like broken and dislocated limbs. In this crisis situation, having an aircraft survival kit is key to addressing injuries and wounds sustained in the crash. The typical airplane survival kit contains items like bandages, rubbing alcohol, painkillers, slings, water, solar blankets, and food. When a crash has occurred and you or others have sustained injury, you’ll be glad that you’re prepared.
The airplane survival kit should be stored in a readily accessible location near the pilot’s seat. The kit should be accessible immediately following a crash, and if possible, be in someone’s hands when the crash is imminent. With an airplane survival kit you will be able to remain in control of the situation until emergency rescue services arrive.
Recent NOAA 6000th airplane rescue report using the NEW 406Mhz ELT
NOAA Report of the 6000th aircraft rescue using 406 MHZ ELT.
Two people rescued from the site of their downed airplane near Concrete, Wash., pushed to 6,000 the number of people rescued in the United States by the system that uses NOAA weather and climate satellites to pinpoint downed pilots, shipwrecked mariners, and stranded hikers. The plane’s pilot did not survive the accident.
“With an average of more than 250 rescues each year in the United States alone it’s clear this system is a valuable tool in saving lives,” said Chris O’Connors, program manager for NOAA-SARSAT. “This milestone also comes four months before SARSAT begins tracking distress signals exclusively from the 406 MHz frequency.”
Older emergency beacons, which operate on the 121.5 and 243 MHz frequencies, were phased out on February 1, 2009. That’s when the 406 MHz became the new standard. Key reasons for the switchover include the ability of the 406 MHz beacons to be detected instantly and provide for global coverage.
The newer beacons are also more accurate and provide Search and Rescue responders with important registration information from the owner – features the older beacons do not offer.
“We’re encouraging all 121.5 MHz beacon owners to make the switch now to the 406, so their distress signals will always be heard.” said NOAA Corps Lt. Jeffrey Shoup, adding that the 6,000th rescue involved an older 121.5 MHz beacon.
Here’s a recent story regarding a rescue using a Personal Locator Beacon.
On March 23, 2008 the COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal in Curry
County, Oregon. A 54 year old man activated his 406 MHz PLB when he suffered a
compound fracture in his right leg and was going into shock. The Air Force Rescue
Coordination Center received the SARSAT alert and contacted the Coast Guard Station
North Bend. Coast Guard launched a helicopter which arrived on the scene and
transported the injured man to a waiting ambulance for transport to a local hospital. One
SARSAT Rescue.