Satellite helps cave rescues

ROSS ANDERSON

HELP AT HAND: Deep Cave SAREX (search and rescue exercise) gets under way in Summit Tomo Cave, on Takaka Hill.

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A caver became lost in the Takaka Hill cave system on Saturday morning, but with the help of more than 100 search and rescue personnel from around Nelson and as far away as Western Australia, he was brought to the surface safe and sound.

The national exercise, held every three years, was based around the scenario of a lost caver and tested the trained cave rescue specialists from Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR).

Wellington-based LandSAR volunteer Alan Thompson said the whole day had gone exactly to plan with the help of a satellite link that was used to communicate from the Takaka Hill back to the base in Motueka.

"It opens up the power of the internet to search and rescue staff who are at remote locations in the field."

It was the first time the technology was used to provide high-speed broadband internet access to rugged and inaccessible parts of New Zealand.

Mr Thompson said LandSAR had recognised the enormous potential value of the technology. It allowed rescuers to have access to email, the telephone network and websites that provided up-to-date information on mapping, aerial photos and weather.

Mr Thompson was the first in New Zealand to develop a system that was fully portable. Rural communications provider Farmside sponsored the development. Two caving rescuers from Western Australia also attended.

Mr Thompson said the "victim" had to be first found in the cave system and then taken out on a stretcher.

"It was as close as we get to real battle conditions. It was a major rescue."

- © Fairfax NZ News