Saved by a personal locator beacon

On the afternoon of 17 June 2023, Alan Fisher from Gosnells crashed his motorcycle while out on a solo ride east of Sawyers Valley.

Fortunately, two off-duty officers from Western Australia Police, Senior Constable Diamond and Senior Constable Robinson from Road Policing Motorcycles, were travelling along the same track and came across Mr Fisher shortly after the crash.

With no cell phone reception, Alan’s Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) played a critical role in activating first responders.

The PLB sent the GPS coordinates of his location to emergency services, enabling a rescue plan to get underway. By approximately 4.15pm the RAC Rescue helicopter was being deployed.

“The sight and sound of the RAC helicopter circling above us looking for a landing place brought tears to my eyes,” said Alan.

“The incredible crew on the helicopter were able to land in a very small clearing not far from where I lay”.

“First aid was administered then I was strapped into a stretcher ready for the helicopter".

Alan was flown by RAC Rescue to Jandakot and transported by road ambulance to Royal Perth Hospital where he remained for almost 3 weeks.

In October, Alan reunited with RAC Rescue Critical Care Paramedic (CCP) Paul Davies at the Jandakot rescue base and relayed his gratitude to Pilot Mike Slattery and Aircrew Officer Matt Jubb who dialled in from their shift at Bunbury.

“I would have to have been one of the luckiest people on that Saturday in June, not only to have two off-duty policemen find me, but to have been airlifted out of the bush by the professional crew onboard RAC Rescue".

“We Western Australians are so lucky to have this service in our fantastic state". Alan’s story is a timely reminder of the benefits of carrying a distress beacon if you’re out adventuring on land or at sea.

A registered beacon allows the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Search and Rescue to phone your local emergency contacts to initiate a response as soon as possible. Learn more about the beacons.