Shanwick Tango 9 area/sector

[Torque2]

Just for my info and for future reference, when we route outbound from Lasno to Begas on T9 we give a position report on VHF and are then asked to call for Selcal check on the appropriate HF frequency.
Are you guys in the same building or totally separated?
The reason I ask is that it was almost impossible to get a word in on any of the frequencies this morning and a sudden medical emergency arose just as we entered T9 necessitating the use of our only HF set to contact MedLink for urgent advice. Not being able to get a word in on any frequency and being transferred to an unusable HF freq I called back on the VHF to inform them of the problem only to be re-directed to another HF freq.
After explaining our problem in basics and requesting any further contact be on Guard we eventually got to speak to the Medics 15 minutes after Lasno which didn't help the subsequent diversion.
Any thoughts on how this could be better sorted would be very welcome. Cheers.

[thelowestlevel]

Usually, on reaching lasno you are transfered on VHF by snn to SHANWICK RADIO, the HF and VHF frequencies are done by the same people in the same building. The VHF frequency that you are transfered onto is usually 127.9, and that can be rather busy as it is the main frequency for all of the westbound and eastbound traffic.

As for the call on HF to check the SELCAL i think that is standard, if you have difficulties in future you can also contact shannon on the previous frequency again, or on guard and they would be able to call shanwick radio for you to get any assistance you require.

Hope this helps

The lowest level

[Torque2]

Thank you, tried all that at the time but no-one seemed to be able to grasp the nettle and agree to contacting us on guard or pass a message for us. Just trying to come up with an acceptabler and workable solution that everyone would be happy with. All viable suggestions most welcome.

[Numpo-Nigit]

Torque 2

I would have thought that the circumstances you decribe were appropriate to call PAN, PAN, PAN on the VHF frequency. That should get everybody's undivided attention, at which point you could explain your needs and get the necessary assistance - even if it turns out to be merely continuing two-way on 121.5. If, after your medical discussion on HF, it turns out that there is no urgency after all, the PAN can always be cancelled with no harm done. Your subsequent diversion indicates that the medical emergency was certainly sufficient to justify such action.

NN

[Torque2]

Certainly an option however at that stage medical consultation alone was required and the situation didn't require a PAN, it did however deteriorate rapidly later. Lady in question now ascertained to have a brain tumour and being treated in hospital in Spain.