LOCATOR BEACON ACTIVATED (PHOTO)

News Release from Yamhill Co. Sheriff's Office

Posted on FlashAlert: June 27th, 2016 11:59 AM

beaconsDownloadable file: beacons

On Sunday, June 27th at about 3:30 p.m., Yamhill County Communications (YCOM) received a call from the United States Air Force advising a personal locator beacon had been activated in rural Yamhill County. These beacons transmit a GPS signal and are often used by hikers and climbers to transmit locations during an emergency. 

Sgt. Richard Geist was dispatched to the origin of the beacon, which was the area of Hwy. 47 near Merchant Road, between the Cities of Carlton and Yamhill. After a short search, Sgt. Geist located local resident Jean Kramer in a nearby field. She had sustained a broken leg and injury to her head, but was conscious. Sgt. Geist learned her injuries had occurred when she was thrown from her horse. She had been able to crawl approximately 50 yards prior to being discovered. 

Kramer was transported to the Willamette Valley Medical Center by McMinnville Fire-Rescue units where she was treated for her injuries. 

Kramer had purchased the locator beacon while living in New Mexico, where cellular service was sparse. These beacons have become increasingly popular as price and service fees have gotten more reasonable in recent years. The attached link may be useful in explaining their functions and capabilities. http://www.plbreview.com/