Call for help via ham radio

During a conversation that Jim and I were having on Saturday 7/18 around 2:55 we received a "Break" as another ham asking to break into the conversation, Jim KC6YRU gave him the go ahead. Scott KE6ITF used ham radio to call for help on the 146.880 MHz repeater reporting that there was a chlid trapped by an undertow in the river near Hospital Rock in the Sequioa National Park and water was rushing over the child rendering her unable to breath. Jim a dispatcher for the Tulare County Sheriff's office jumps into gear even when he's on the road. Reeves proceeded to call 9-1-1 requesting help for the swimmer that was trapped and then lets Scott KE6ITF know that help is on the way.

In these types of incidents time is of the essence. In talking with Jim later that day he said that it was odd that when he dialed 9-1-1 the dispatcher was not able to transfer him to the park rangers that she had to transfer him to another line and then transfer him to the park rangers. It's always amazed me with all the technology available how these departments do not have the resources they need to do their jobs!

Resources

Recording of the conversation on the 146.880MHz repeater between Jim & Scott recorded on my iPhone while driving: Audio Recording

News article send to me by Jim later that evening:

July 18, 2009

Tulare teen drowns at Hospital Rock

A 14-year-old Tulare girl drowned today at Hospital Rock in Sequoia National Park, rangers said.

Officials said park rangers and a fire department crew were unable to rescue her. Witnesses said she had been underwater for seven to 10 minutes when rescuers responded a little after 3 p.m.

Officials in the park reported that divers had recovered the girl's body from the water about 5:45 p.m.

The 14-year-old was at the popular spot in the national park with family members, officials said.

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Visalia Times-Delta

It's very unfortunate that we were not able to save a life this time, but at least there was some type of communications available. This just goes to prove that cell phones don't always work in every situation.

Many Thanks go out to the Tulare County Amateur Radio club for keeping the 146.880 MHz repeater operational as without this valuable resource communications are sometimes not possible.

Ted/KE6YJC