Lives saved
1
Hiking
River
Medical emergency
Thunder storm
43.4391422,-99.1601324
43.4456575°N, -99.1234795°W
Posted on July 23, 2021 by David Odt
What happened?
My wife and I are on a canoe expedition floating in the Missouri River from Montana to St. Louis, a distance of over 2300 miles. About 1500 miles along the route, we stopped to establish camp 75 on shore. As the weather forecast predicted strong storms and hail I opted to locate a campsite under a tree to afford protection from hail as we sleep in a tent. Unfortunately a snake was also under the tree that I was scoping for a tent site, and it bit my left leg. I immediately knew I was in mortal danger, remained calm and activated the rescue beacon as well as contacting 911. Within minutes shock was overcoming me. My wife cared for me till a rescue boat and personnel arrived about 45 minutes after the snakebite. After boat transport to a boat ramp, I was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital where I received snake anti-venom and then was air transported to a regional medical facility spending two nights in ICU and two more nights as inpatient before discharge. In a remote location and no ready options to get to medical care, the ACR rescue beacon, and the local first responders that rescued me, saved my life. We are awaiting a new beacon and my recovery before resuming our epic journey.
Words of wisdom
In remote areas in snake country (and on large lakes and rivers in the high plains of central North America), never let your guard down and be prepared. The beacon was originally intended for water rescue in rough water, but it saved my life for an unforeseen event I never expected.
Thank you note
I am so thankful for the ACR rescue beacon. Your product gives me the confidence to tackle large and challenging travels, knowing I am seconds away from sending a request for help. The ACR beacon is forever a part of my safety toolkit. Thank you ACR!!!
Rescue location
43.4391422,-99.1601324
Rescue team
Local Search and Rescue
ResQLink™+
Go to product details- Buoyant
- LED strobe light
- Self Test
- 66 Channel GPS
- Easy emergency activation
- Antenna clip
Out of stock