A new generation of small, lightweight walkie-talkies such as the FRS radios made by Motorola are becoming more common among outdoor types by the day. More radios among climbers may disturb the peace, but they certainly add to safety. The Belfast Telegraph just carried a story about an injured climber who was rescued because his party carried portable communications. According to the report Graham Emerson was climbing in Italy when he fell a few meters and shattered his ankle. A rescue helicopter was on the scene within 15 minutes thanks to the fact that they were able to summon help immediately.
It sure beats sending someone running down the hill with some small change to look for a telephone box.
The story also highlights a second piece of “kit” that is probably more essesential – good medical and rescue insurance.
“It would have been worse if I hadn’t been insured,” Graham reflected. “The rescue, treatment and journey home would have cost me several thousand pounds. The £26 I spent on insurance was the best investment I ever made.”