Hopedale providing 10 SPOT trackers to residents, free of charge

A new initiative along the Labrador coast offers people a useful piece of technology before they venture out into the woods and barrens.

Plenty of peoplewho live in the areaare experienced when it comes to being in the wilderness and navigating through harsh weather conditions.

If there's a medical emergency,mother nature can be pretty unforgiving.- Sgt. Darryl MacMullin

ButHopedale now has 10 SPOTdevices available for anyone who wants them, thanks to efforts led by the Nunasiavut communities, with private funding and organized by RCMP Const. Dwayne Penney.

There are five devices available at the Hopedalewildlife officeand fiveat the RCMP detachment in the community.

Anyone who is going out in the wild on snowmobile, boat or on an all-terrain vehicle is encouraged to come by and borrow one, free of charge.

How it works

SPOT uses satellite technology and can be used to call for help during an emergency.

• Burgeo hunter says tracking device saved his life during medical emergency

It works nearly everywhere on the planetand hasseveralfunctions, including an SOS button that alertssearch and rescue, JRCC and RCMPto respond immediately to your position.

Users can also use a help function, which also calls for assistance but not inan urgent manner.

Finally, there is a check-in button that simply notifies responders that everything is OK and the trip is going well.

Breaking a stigma

RCMP Sgt. Darryl MacMullintold the Labrador Morning Showthatdespite how experienced people may be in the community when it comes to the outdoors, they should always have a way to call for help.

He said some people have their own satellite phones, but the SPOT trackers are there for everyone else.

"They're only good as their use," he said.

"They're no good to anyone if they're sitting in a house, at the RCMP office or conservation office."

MacMullinencourages people to come and learn how the SPOT devices work, and hopes that people won't be too proud to consider using one next time they go out in the woods.

"Some people may see it as a sign of weakness," he said.

"It can save your life, or the people that are with you because regardless of how experienced you are or how well you know the land, if there's a medical emergency or a mechanical breakdown, Mother Nature can be pretty unforgiving."