Hikers Rescued on Skyline Trail - Feb 2

[Cy Kaicener]

This was also a bad week end for the outdoorsclub. The body of one of their hikers was recovered on Mount Wilson. I posted it in California - Other Areas. They have a snowshoe trip from the tram to the peak scheduled this Saturday.

[Perry]

One of the first things taught in first aid and search & rescue is to assess the scene for safety and not trade lives.

[cynthia23]

Of course, Grandmaster P, I agree that safety personnel would not knowingly commit suicide, even to rescue others. I understand they are careful and, as much as possible, try to protect their own lives as well. But these situations are all about chaos and the overwhelming power of nature. When you go out into dangerous situations (steep unstable traverses, ice covered by snow, 80 mph winds) you just can't know or predict exactly what will happen, no matter how well-trained or mountain-wise you are. Sadly, every year numerous rescue personnel do die while attempting to save lives. This is a risk the rescue people choose to take, and I commend them for it. And to further honor their sacrifice and not cheapen it, I also feel we should punish those who wantonly or knowingly put rescue personnel at risk, just as we'd punish someone who drove ninety miles an hour in a residential neighborhood. These Skyline rescuees this weekend were all strenuously warned by Doreen not to proceed--according to her most had never even done this trail before-- and yet they arrogantly chose to continue. No one is suggesting they do prison time or even pay a fine; instead, I simply suggest that those who enjoy recreational suicide attempts, should be required to pay for their pleasures.

[Perry]

A couple things to think about:

Some rescuers enjoy the thrill and challenge of a rescue. They choose to do this, whether paid or volunteer.

It's not obvious that when you start a hike from Palm Springs, you're going to need 10-point crampons and an ice axe. People say lots of things. Who are you going to believe?

[Perry]

And why are the costs of rescues so high? Is there price fixing, or does the free market naturally arrive at such high costs?

[beastie]

Hi all! I just signed up for this forum; thanks to all of you for your sharing information and the sincere dialogue.

Regarding the safety in recreation wilderness, the mountains and trails are essentially a hike at your own risk areas. All the signs in the word (and the less the better) may not prevent an accident. It’s a righteous idea to “punish” those people that knowingly were unprepared but it would be difficult making that determination. Magikwalk said it best… ”a recreation area, regardless of its type… there were will be accidents and people will nee to be rescued”.

It’s the path of adventurers.

[Jim Bakos]

Whoa, Folks…

Cynthia, you bring good comment to this discussion, but people are individuals, they will do as they please (trust me, I know).

We don’t charge for rescues because it would enviably cause loss of life.

And, yes, Perry: We do enjoy what we do here in the Mountain Rescue Community. We wouldn’t be on-call 24/7/365 if we didn’t…

We also try to educate the populace through our Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) programs.

We don’t just rescue, we teach as well. But: We’re light on staff at the moment (45 team members), we all have “day” jobs too. We do this when we can (most miss their days wages when we have a weekday search).

Here’s a challenge!

I’m going to ask Ellen to join the team (obviously when she gets better). Perry, SS, Walt, Cynthia, Kathy and others, I give you the same challenge! If you want to affect change, sign on…

Walt: We could use a one-eyed guy to clear close trails, help run the command post, and help us drink a few cold-one’s at our trainings (after hours, of course).

I’m TOTALLY serious gang. I’d love to have, even just a hand-full, (of) you on our team.

We have a meeting tomorrow: Hemet Sheriff’s Station, 1800 hours.

Any and all are welcome…

Email me at: jim-at-bakos-dot-org If you need directions.

--Jim

P.S. I'll be hurt if not ONE of you shows up....

[KathyW]

Jim:

Do you have to live in Riverside County to apply to RMRU SAR team?

Kathy

[AlanK]

Jim -- thanks for the insight from one of the true heroes of this episode. I am not an SAR person (I live pretty far from the RMRU coverage area but have considered talking to the Montrose team at some point) but I have never heard one speak up for ideas like "no rescue" zones. When people are in trouble, other people tend to try to help. And I'm damned glad! I absolutely share the sentiments of those who have expressed concern that too many incidents involving too many unprepared people will lead to unwanted restrictions on trails that we all love, so I am very interested in how to reduce the occurrence of such episodes. And I have never heard an SAR person who would not be happy to see the need for rescues disappear because everyone is so careful!

[Jim Bakos]

Kathy: No, you don't have to be a resident of Riverside County to be a member of RMRU. We have quite a few "out of county" members.

We welcome any and all. We're a family with almost a 50 year legacy.

Alan: Montrose is a GREAT team. We work with them often. Join, have some fun...

Look forward to seeing some of you in bright orange!!!

--Jim