A Boy Scout Group of 18 kids and adults was on a 50 mile hike near Upper Cathedral Lake in Okanogan County, Washington, when one of the adults began having heart trouble.
An ACR PLB-375 ResQLink with an internal GPS receiver was activated 10:15 am. When activated the ACR PLB-375 sends its GPS location along with the distress message.
After receiving the alert through the SARSAT System the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center coordinated with local authorities about available search assets. The local Sheriff coordinated with a Federal aviation unit to search for the PLB and party using a Black Hawk Helicopter.
The Black Hawk landed near the group at 2:05 pm, loaded the individual and his child and evacuated the man to a medical facility.
Often in situations like this during its rescue process the AFRCC consults the PLB Beacon Registration Information that is sent to them with the distress message and beacon location. They will attempt to contact the owner or designated contacts to try to determine if the distress signal is real and if there is any available information on what beacon owner is doing as well as any known medical issues. This can greatly increase the rescue forces response time!