At the very most practical level, the use of communication systems will allow you to contact someone in an emergency. This is an essential and critical component of any remote area activity - including walking the Larapinta Trail. Additionally emergency signaling tools allow you to alert other people through the use of whistles, flares strobe lights and mirrors. Whether they are on foot, in a vehicle, helicopter, plane or other transport nodes, signaling will greatly assist other walkers or rescuing authorities in pin pointing your location.
Point There is no mobile coverage along the trail.
Point SATPHONES are the best form of remote communications
Point Digital PLB's (Personal Locator Beacons) are an excellent backup
Point There is an emergency radio phone near Ellery Creek
Point There is payphone at Standley Chasm
Point Park Rangers at Ormiston Gorge & Simpson Gap for serious emergencies
Point Always include some form of emergency signalling device
Emergency_Devices UHF/VHF/HF Radio
Unless you are communicating between groups along the trial who are nearby, UHF/VHF radio along most parts of the trail will be of little use - unless of course, you want to carry a HF radio and the frequencies needed to communicate with authorities.
Emergency_Devices Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
A PLB or Personal Locator Beacon ( a smaller version of the EPIRB) is ideal for bushwalkers. PLB's are satellite activated which send distress SOS signals non stop for 24-48 hours, practically all over the world and pin points your position anywhere between 200m and 3km. Emergency Management Australia picks up and coordinates the response, usually by contacting local police and emergency services in the distress signal area. Its highly advisable that you carry a digital 406 MHz PLB
Emergency_Devices Strobe Lights
Strobe lights are another piece of useful kit for emergency signaling. On average they can be seen up to 7-10km on a clear night. They can be turned off and left unattended. Spare batteries are essential. Although it may seem obvious, strobes are not intended for day use, but on the day, when it comes time to, use anything you have available.
Emergency_Devices Flashlight/Torch
Obviously any type of torch or headlamp can be used at night for sending emergency signals. There are powerful LED torches available on the market today such as the Surefire E1E Executive Elite Torch (shown right). Good LED torches generally cost between $90 to $200 depending on brand.
Emergency_Devices Lasers
Laser signaling tools can be more effective than conventional torches but are also much more expensive (about $170). A current lightweight product called the Rescue Laser Flare is visible up to 30km at night and up to 6km in the day.
Emergency_Devices Cyalume Sticks (Night)
Cyalume sticks are a light weight handy piece of equipment. They are excellent for marking locations of campsites, packs or people at night but are only visible to the naked eye at night up to a kilometre away. Although they are a ' one off' item, they are cheap - about $7-$10 each and a worth it. They come in various colours which includes white, yellow, blue, red and orange.
Emergency_Devices Signal Mirrors (Day)
Most personal signal mirrors are small, compact and sturdy. They have assisted many successful rescues over the years and is one of the most practical, basic and best all-round signaling devices. It doesn't need batteries, but it does need the user to have a bit of knowledge and skill in its use. In normal sunlight conditions in Central Australia, mirrors can be seen up to 10 - 20km away and much further from the air.
Emergency_Devices Whistles
Whistles provide an excellent way for close up signaling. They are a very underrated piece of signaling equipment, but they do offer you an alternative ( and more effective option) to yelling.  In some documented cases, they have been heard up to three kilometres away. Whistles are cheap and lightweight.
Emergency_Devices Bright Clothing/Markers
Bright clothing in the open is one effective way of being seen, particularly in open terrain. If you have no other signaling devices, spread what bright clothes or items ( i.e. sleeping bag) you have on the ground to help authorities spot you, particularly from the air, or hang them in tress for ground searches.
Mobile Phone   
There is no mobile coverage along the Larapinta Trail. Some possible exceptions are some areas along Section 1 near Alice Springs and along some of the highest points of the  trail such and Brinkley's Bluff - and then maybe. The best advice is not to rely on your mobile as an emergency communication option.
Satellite Phone
Satellite phones are one of the best tools for remote area communication. Handheld mobiles such as the Iridium 9505A Satellite Phone offer a small, lightweight compact system, ideal for trekking. They can be rented in Alice Springs if you don't have a spare $1800 to buy one. The image shown here to the right is an Iridium satphone with  a field solar recharger.
Conventional Phones ( i.e. Land Lines , Public Phones)
There are only two locations where static/conventional phones can be found for any emergencies. They are listed below.
Type Location More Info
Conventional Phone Glen Helen Pay Phone.
Conventional Phone Standley Chasm Pay Phone
Emergency Radio Phones
There is an Emergency Radio Phone located at Ellery Creek in the vicinity of the S6/7 Trailhead. The phone is located about a kilometre south from the Ellery Creek camping ground and facilities. Follow the unsealed road south back toward the highway .Google_KML Ellery Creek Emergency Phone (kmz)
Location of Emergency Radio Phone at Ellery Creek

 
Fire (Night)  and Smoke (Day)

Assuming someone is looking for you, fire and smoke techniques can be one of the most effective emergency signaling options.  Fires are most effective when placed in a non natural formation such as a triangle ( three [points, each 10-25m apart). Smoke needs to thick and sustained.  Bottom line with this option - have matches.
Use of Fire and Flares: Fire and flares can cause severe damage to the National Park. If you need to use this emergency signaling technique, be very careful it doesn't cause a bushfire.
Mini Flares
These generally come in small packet of 8 individual flares, they are fired from a small handheld tool.  The flare has an approximate burning time of about 10-12 seconds and can go as high as 70m-100m and visible up to 6-10km ( more at night). 
Day Night Flares
These flares are very compact personal survival flares with a signal red flare at one end (for use at night), and a dense orange smoke at the other (for daylight). They are compact and easy to carry. Smoke burn time is approx 18 seconds, while flare burn time is approx 20 seconds at 10,000 candlelight.
This video below shows how a 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacon works and provides some background about what PLB's are
 
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