Just to branch off from the discussion on the paddler in Quebec, it might be useful to see what plans people have for when things go terribly wrong.
I have a Sat phone. Although it is not my primary means of risk management, I would use it if a situation became life threatening. Many canoeists who get map info from me tripping in the isolated areas up here carry Sat phones as well. They can be rented for a period of time without incurring huge costs.
I always file a float plan with the appropriate people before I leave, with expected dates of return, and dates when the authorities should be notified. I usually drop an itinerary off at the fire base too, so that if any big fires come up in the area, they will know roughly where I am. The fire people have landed by us before and told us to beat it downriver as a fire was on our heels. I have also called the fire base when i knew a party was in an area that was burning.
I always look over all maps for emergency evac spots. Google earth often shows places that don't exist on maps, although they often need varification from local sources.
Sat phone people need to know that the 1 800 number for the OPP does not work with iridium. Takes you to a corner store in India or somewhere. You need to have the number for the local detachment. Also, I always have the numbers for the local outfitters as well. If I need an evac, it will be on my own dime before I call in the SAR. You will have to get an outfitter to return to pick up your gear anyway.
I carry a pretty good med kit, and keep some strong pain killers in there for emergencies (percocets).
What other ideas are there? What experiences have any of you had? I have organized quite a few evacs to date, and so far only one needed the helicopter.
I have a Sat phone. Although it is not my primary means of risk management, I would use it if a situation became life threatening. Many canoeists who get map info from me tripping in the isolated areas up here carry Sat phones as well. They can be rented for a period of time without incurring huge costs.
I always file a float plan with the appropriate people before I leave, with expected dates of return, and dates when the authorities should be notified. I usually drop an itinerary off at the fire base too, so that if any big fires come up in the area, they will know roughly where I am. The fire people have landed by us before and told us to beat it downriver as a fire was on our heels. I have also called the fire base when i knew a party was in an area that was burning.
I always look over all maps for emergency evac spots. Google earth often shows places that don't exist on maps, although they often need varification from local sources.
Sat phone people need to know that the 1 800 number for the OPP does not work with iridium. Takes you to a corner store in India or somewhere. You need to have the number for the local detachment. Also, I always have the numbers for the local outfitters as well. If I need an evac, it will be on my own dime before I call in the SAR. You will have to get an outfitter to return to pick up your gear anyway.
I carry a pretty good med kit, and keep some strong pain killers in there for emergencies (percocets).
What other ideas are there? What experiences have any of you had? I have organized quite a few evacs to date, and so far only one needed the helicopter.
