Rescued! - Now Pay For It!



We would just continue outside the US if they start that kind of thing, on principle

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I would not want to be a politician making that proposal in Idaho, Utah or Wyoming.

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Hoo hoo!

The “Private Property of the Government” concept kinda triggers my gag reflex, but it seems likely we’re heading toward some sort of additional user fee to cover rescue costs. I’d be OK with a rescue insurance model … either buy the coverage or don’t, but you’ll pay for the rescue yourself if you choose the latter.
Question: Are there more people out there doing dumass stuff or do we just hear about more them because of media ubiquity?

I think there are more ignorant people doing dumb stuff. Social media does a good job of showing folks the ‘super cool’ and ‘exciting’ aspect of outdoor sports, without the hard work and safety required to pull it off successfully. Sure, that info is out there, but the average attention span is abysmal in the Internet age.

The irony is how people forget that we are the government. We simply have representatives who"represent" our wishes. First resospobders are there to respond. If you’re doing things that could endanger another person trying to rescue you, it might be a good idea to get some insurance. Otherwise look out fir number one and don’t step in number two. We shouldn’t need permission to use resources that belong to us.

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Fewer people are exposed to nature as children and so grow up without an understanding of the consequences of outdoor activities. There is quite a bit of research on this under the term “extinction of experience.”

The easy answer is, instead of onerous fees and/or insurance, to require outdoor education in elementary education. Children exposed to the outdoors on a regular basis are healthier, have higher IQ’s, and are better at problem solving and critical thinking.

ETA: Let me add that the cost of implementing such a nationwide program in elementary education would be greatly offset by a reduction in the cost of emergency rescue services and improved health outcomes (both mental and physical).

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Another explanation for the recent surge is that a lot of new people got into outdoor recreation as a result of the pandemic. My anecdotal observation is that the number of people hiking the White Mountains seems to have doubled.

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People should pay for their underprepared rescue, just like going to the emergency room!

Some truth to that observation, I think.

Agree 100%. Education is the best answer.
But I still don’t want my taxes to pay for those who end up needing a rescue and a trip to the ER (or the morgue) because they were too cool for school.

Until there is less corruption I won’t choose to pay more taxes. The money is just stolen.

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This part about medical information is why all
my family members have quit scuba diving commercially (after many years) I had an ablation thirty years ago at a famous heart institute and it was for a congenital arrhythmia. The doctor told me to never mention it again because I was “completely cured” (true) but these bureaucrats and “scuba officials” want to get in all your business and request records. It’s lunacy. I had no issues getting a flight physical but if I tell the truth they don’t want a healthy fit divemaster on the boat?!?!

You live in fairytale land, no offense, if you are thinking they know what they are doing with your medical “certification”

They have no clue how to interpret your records.

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No, I don’t believe that. “Private property of the government, financed by taxpayers. Permit required for authorized use.” Get the IRS to collect more fees. Governments cannot own anything without collecting taxes. It’s insane to think how my taxes help with the original purchase, then I have to pay to use it. Wnen I decided to but a house or car, I accepted the responsibility for maintenance.

I believe you mentioned how you plan your outing as if you will be responsible for your own well-being. Don’t expect someone to come to your rescue.

This is another topic that we can talk about but can’t fix. The solution is easy for accessible areas, but for remote or dangerous rescues, the answer is to have the adventurer pay, until the victim gets the bill.

Every activities doesn’t require a high risk rescues. If you on the water and need assistance, other boaters are required to render aid, but nobody can be compelled anyone to risk his or her own life to save another - aid yes, but not put themselves at risk.

It’s odd how a society doesn’t hesitated to subsidize a healthy person who isn’t working, and equip first responders with medication to counter the effects of illegal drugs, then suggest that an adventurer must pay to expect assistance.

In high risk areas where permits are required, the fee should include an insurance fee in the event that a rescue is required.

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That’s why I am a hard no.

We plan to get an oxygen concentrator for the remote desert house. That buys a lot of time if you can put somebody on 100%.

I would have bought one during Covid but it’s 220 v here and they are sort of expensive so I’m waiting.

Personally I think older people should own them if they can afford it.

I just breath harder!

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If you got severe Covid in a lot of places you would never see your family again.

It’s not over yet. What’s really scary is some of the comments a few officials let slip.

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Another loss in the White Mountains, and another one where preparedness wasn’t mentioned as a factor. People have medical emergencies in inconvenient places, and this was no doubt an expensive one, but I hope nobody suggests going after the family of the deceased to collect.

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I hope not. I think the point was to provide a “stick” to those who didn’t prepare adquately and to be financially neutral for those who had.

Going after surving family members - who likely had nothing to do with the incident - would/should be whacked.

sing

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