subject: Is Cb Radio Still Useful In This Age Of Cell Phones? [print this page] A group, traveling in Arizona, through a remote area, had one of their members injured by an ATM rollover in late 2009. The other members of the group couldn't call for help because they were out of cell phone range. They managed to signal to a passing car. The driver was an amateur radio operator named Hal Whiting.
If you could look at a map of the areas where there is cell phone coverage, you might be surprised to find that there are a lot of areas that are still blank and will likely stay blank until a substantial population enters those areas. In those holes in the coverage, cell phones are useless.
But, no matter where you are you can use a CB or amateur radio transceiver. Plan for your trip with extra food, water, batteries, a source of heat or a means of shelter. Many people do not think of these preparations, and thus invite a small problem to turn into a disaster.
Hal Whiting is a 'ham' from Utah who was taking a trip in Arizona with some friends in 2009. He knew the terrain was bleak, and had made appropriate preparations. Another motorist flagged him down to request help when their cell phones wouldn't work. When he heard of the emergency, that a woman had been hurt when an ATV rolled over, he used his radio to call for the help she needed.
The radio operator who answered the call was about 50 miles away from them. He called 911 and relayed the request to the Sheriff's department. The Sheriff asked for the GPS location but no-one could give them. The other driver in Whitings party took a handheld radio and drove to the accident site.
By relaying between the handheld and the Sheriff's office. A helicopter took to the air and was directed into the area of the accident. They picked up the victim and transported her to hospital in Las Vegas. She recovered from her injuries.
A lot of things had to go right at the right time to have a successful outcome to this incident. The accident victim wasn't alone. When Whiting came along the road to be waved over, he had the equipment to handle the communications to solve the problem. Someone was listening to a radio to answer Whitings call. Whiting had portable handheld radios to use for staying in contact.
The one party relied on cell phones that didn't have towers in a remote area. Whiting knew the area and made sure he as ready to communicate without cell phones. Radio is still a very useful and fun activity.
