Our sales agency started reping ACR PLBs the first year they were available in 2004. It was daunting task. Most of those who we introduced it to thought as everyone else does, like Jim Whittaker, that people will misuse the PLB and cause chaos with SAR. The cost was also really high (and still is) which made it an inaccessible solution for many people. The weight was high at 17 oz. especially on an item that the buyer will hopefully never have to use. It really didn't help that it looked like a yellow brick. We all believed that when the first land rescue occurred we would start selling them by the millions. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

A lot has changed in the past few years. The units have gotten smaller and cheaper for one. We have had 88 land rescues in 2007 involving climbers, backpackers, scouts, rental units, etc. There has been much publicity and discussion in the general media. These things have all helped in getting the word out. We knew that the first few years would be more educating than selling which we did relentlessly (you could call us the Purveyors of Paranoia <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />). We are know really starting to sell them which is exiting to me.

My main emphasis as I clinic and/or discuss the PLB is that it should only be used in times when the person's LIFE, LIMB, or SIGHT are in jeopardy. This is totally up to the user in that some PLB carriers will think their life is in danger sooner than others. However, this is ok according to the FCC. I often get questions on whether or not they will be fined. Some places like Alaska, because of the remote and dangerous terrain, will be billed no matter what in most cases. However, many places in the lower 48 are pretty safe from a big fine. I tell folks that they are far more likely to be billed if they don't have one. As you know, a PLB takes the "search" (expensive part) out of 'search and rescue'.

The technology isn't new. In fact it has been around for at least 15 years. The EPIRB, PLBs used on ocean going vessels (it is law that a ship or boat going out to see must have one on board) has saved 20,000+ lives over the last 15 years. However, the FCC was afraid that they would be abused on land which was the reason why it took 5 years before they were allowed to be sold as land based PLBs. In Alaska, during this five year period, they tested the unit and as a result 50 people owe their lives to this technology. After this test period had concluded, the FCC knew that they had no other choice but to allow it to be sold. There is a stiff fine and possible jail time if misused. There have been a few abusers which have been fined about $1000 and 30 days in prison (the law states if it is misused you could be fined up to $250,000 and thrown in to prison for 6 months, but this is highly unlikely). The first rescue was the guy who's boat had frozen in the ice and was legitimately rescued. He then went back to get his gear after which he set off the PLB again so he could get pictures of the helicopter coming in to "rescue"him for a book he was planning to write. They picked him up and flew him directly to jail along with a hefty fine. He was made an example of (we heard a lot about this incident).

I own one (had to buy it) and carry it on every trip into the backcountry. I've heard too many stories of folks who get into trouble in places you would never think would be a concern. Many of these people are experienced and understand very well the dangers, far better than I do. I drill into those I talk to about it that getting up the mountain is one thing, getting back down is the hard part. This could also mean that going out is exciting and very much worth while, but what is your life worth to your family? Do you want to make sure you get back so you can do this again? So many start out in great anticipation only to have it end tragically for themselves, their family and friends, and those who rely on them (job, etc.). This is really the crux of whether to have one or not. With this technology available, I believe those venturing into the backcountry can't afford not to have one and, ultimately, are selfish if they choose not to carry one. No one can predict what will happen to him/her even in the most sterile of environments in the backcountry. I even carry one in my car if I'm going to a place that may involve bad weather. We've all heard of horrible stories about people stranded with their families. There was a recent one in Utah where a man and his wife were stranded for 10 days in their car before being found. Both made it, but they went through a lot.

We still have a few hold outs, but many are coming around. One of the more interesting is Gary Neptune of Neptune Mountaineering. He was totally against it at first, but has now allowed it's sale in his shop. I truly believe that through these sales, more lives will be saved and much of the tragedy we hear about will be reduced. It's been a privilege to be a part of it all.