I was living in New Zealand for 3 1/2 years recently. Wonderful scenery and lots of opportunities to hike and get into nature.
I had borrowed a friends car to drive about 30 km's out of town and take a short walk to photograph a small waterfall. After parking and walking in about 400 yards, I arrived at the waterfall. Being less than impressed, I noticed that this would be better in the summer time when I could wade out into the stream and get a better shot.
As I walked back on the track that was a large concrete pipe, I stepped around a large rock. Suddenly, I slipped and fell head first down a steep rocky 24 foot drop. I landed in a small pool of water. I felt that my forehead was bleeding pretty badly - it didn't help that I was on blood thinning meds. Rolling over, I was able to get to my knees and check for any broken bones. None found, but now my clothes and jacket were soaking wet.
Checking my cell phone, I realized that I was on my own as I didn't have any service. I was able to get to my feet and started climbing out of my situation.
I made my way back the track to the car. Once I got there, I found a clean roll of toilet paper in an outhouse and used that to help stop the bleeding.
Getting out of my photo backpack and my soaked jacket, I was able to drive about 10 km back to an area where I had cell service. I pulled off the road, put my flashers on and tried to call Emergency Services.
As I talked to the operator, the signal faded in and out. I contemplated driving on and seeing if I could get closer to town.
Suddenly, a couple of cars stopped to see if I was ok. As one of the people was a doctor, he started to assess me. Another reached in the other side and asked about any allergies. I shoved my ROADID band in their face. They quickly were able to find out who I was and what medical conditions I had. They stayed with me until the ambulance arrived.
I fully believe that my ROADID band on my arm helped to keep me alive and provided vital information.
- Jim H.
