by SoCalJim » Wed Jun 13, 2018 7:16 pm
Wind/weather was a significant factor in the SAR response, not to mention the distance and location. I've done critical care interfacility transport as a nurse, helicopter and fixed wing. No scene response experience, but learned a lot from other flight crew members about some of the factors involved in emergency response situations. You can't just tell the chopper "go there" and everything falls into place seamlessly. Weight is a major consideration, more so the higher you go, which is why they had to fly in the team members one at a time. In the backcountry, you can't just dial 911 and expect an ambulance or helicopter within a few minutes. Part of the risk of activities in the wilderness. Incidentally, since I'm retiring at the end of the month and plan to spend a lot more time in the great outdoors, I just bought a Garmin Inreach satellite communicator with GPS which works anywhere in the world that the device can "see" the satellites. $375 on sale (regularly $450) and requires a subscription service with variable cost and can be deactivated when not using. It's too bad these devices aren't more affordable so that every party in the backcountry can quickly send an SOS.
The "chute" is the only viable route on the main Whitney trail until the switchbacks on the regular trail melt out, which should be soon. It's not what might be considered expert level of difficulty, but for those who are not experienced in snow and ice travel and not using appropriate gear (which would be crampons and ice axe for most people), it is a serious hazard which produces injuries every year and, occasionally, deaths. Unfortunately, some people poo-poo the seriousness of the route and don't realize that they're in over their head until it's too late.