Cost to be rescued

[SteveS]

I’ll bring up an issue I see, but maybe others can correct me on this if it's not an issue.

Is there a charge for a rescue? Is this a realistic cost for tax payers to support backcountry travelers?

I’m thinking if a person was to stop carrying or not buying to begin with the entire vehicle repair gear, which would lighten a truck 100s of lbs, and help increase MPG. Just the cost of a winch and needed winch gear would cover the cost of that ‘Spot’ device for 10+ years. The other locator beacons and Satellite phones could have more or less savings depending on need.

I know (from internet searching) some states have a $500 charge “when "reasonable care" was not used and when "applicable laws were violated." during a rescue. But a rescue can exceed $500 very fast, and this could hurt already reduced budgets of land management agencies.

I know the rig-a-ma-roll about responsible exploring, but when I think of all the good work that gets un-done by one un-responsible person and is used against everyone by controlist waving the ‘environmental banner’ I shudder.

Anyone think this might be a upcoming future issue. I hope I’m wrong but I can see this becoming one more point to close areas/roads to access.

This was posted on another site and got some interesting feed-back, and the few people I know around here, land-use issues are a concern, I thought it might be nice to see what the people here feel.

I know there are many ‘real, right-now’ land issues to deal with. But as a group we can sometimes be reactive vs proactive to land issues. I bring this up as get an active approach to a possible issue.

Later guys and have a good weekend.

[cowboy4x4]

$500.00 would be cheap . If you have to medivac out by chopper that is a bill of several several thousand dollars and I havent heard of an insurance co. yet that foots that bill. I used to have a 4x4 tow truck and if I got a call to go get someone it was not a "tow" it was a "recovery" going rate at the time was a min. $500.00 obviously in a life and death situation no one is going to care how much the rescue is going to cost they just want help. But that I why is try and be as careful as possible. A broken leg can kill you.

[toms]

For northern California you can buy Helecopter insurance - if for example you are doing the Rubicon Trail. It is sold by http://www.calstar.org . If you want to contact them the number is 916-921-4000. Cost is about $45 per person per year.

[hmfigueroa]

Here in Los Angeles County the cost for air ambulance rescue is codified in the Los Angeles County Code.

2.34.140 Fees--Sheriff helicopter emergency air ambulance services.

For helicopter emergency air ambulance services provided by the department, the sheriff shall charge and collect a transportation fee in the amount of $1,380.00 per flight. If more than one patient is transported by a department helicopter during the same flight, this fee shall be divided and charged in equal amounts to all of the patients transported. (Ord. 92-0091 § 2, 1992.)

$1380.00, but you can split the trip with a buddy or two! Air 5 can carry a pretty good load.

[DaveK]

Here in Los Angeles County the cost for air ambulance rescue is codified in the Los Angeles County Code.

2.34.140 Fees--Sheriff helicopter emergency air ambulance services.

For helicopter emergency air ambulance services provided by the department, the sheriff shall charge and collect a transportation fee in the amount of $1,380.00 per flight. If more than one patient is transported by a department helicopter during the same flight, this fee shall be divided and charged in equal amounts to all of the patients transported. (Ord. 92-0091 § 2, 1992.)

$1380.00, but you can split the trip with a buddy or two! Air 5 can carry a pretty good load.

Can that include a side trip out to our favorite camp site in the desert?

[OLLIE]

If you but the SPOT and the full service for it, it comes with insurance that covers any type of medivac.

~$150.00 for the SPOT unit + ~$150.00 for the full service package = ~$300.00 of ability that is well wort it and you're covered.

You can't touch that one with APRS...

[cruiserlarry]

And the SPOT is on sale all over for only $99 right now (service not included)

[OLLIE]

And the SPOT is on sale all over for only $99 right now (service not included)

Some places are offering the full service package for the cost of the basic package for the first year right now too.

[SteveS]

Wow about 7 months before the 1st reply, guess I can cut may once a month visits here to every few months.

I got the Spot when they had the free offer. I carry it, but leave it off for most of my trips. I was out for one last visit to Goldstone, CA and got the bonus of a small visit with base police and a personal escort.

I did find a neat little 4 wheel drive trailer out on Superior Dry Lake. Any of you Mil Spec. guys know what this is called/named?

BTW there should be a story about the outfit that installs ‘Bat Covers’ on mine opening tonight (1-13-09) on Dirty Jobs. I met the guy that owns the outfit and he has installed many across the Mojave, but he works all over the counrty.

[SteveS]

Here’s a story about some people using there PLB as a ‘room service’ button.

http://www.mydesert.com/article/2009102 ... Yuppie+911+

Some may have seen this already, it’s making it way around the net