PLB’s, SPOTS vs. Cutting the Cord

"But I find it to be terribly irresponsible to go out further than you can save your own self and rely on pushing the button. Now you are relying on someone else to come and rescue you. Why not cut back on how remote you go or how far you try to push yourself instead?"

It ain't that simple, Diane. Simply put, Sh!t happens, and in many cases it has nothing to do with exceeding your capabilities. Things can go wrong on a simple day hike. Things can go wrong on a short weekender, etc. And, as I mentioned earlier, SAR folk are going to come looking for you once you turn up missing, whether or not you "punch the button". Punching the button can save them a lot of time, effort and, potentially, risk, not to mention saving your bacon.

"Some people may think it is irresponsible to go out into the wilderness and push your limits without carrying a PLB. But I find it to be terribly irresponsible to go out further than you can save your own self and rely on pushing the button. Now you are relying on someone else to come and rescue you. Why not cut back on how remote you go or how far you try to push yourself instead?"

This would be a very, very different world today if a few of us (not me!) hadn't pushed boundaries far beyond what most others would dare try. I, for one, appreciate those with that kind of single-minded determination and outsized courage. I believe we have all benefitted greatly from their ilk.

I started this thread…Reading these posts and thinking more on it since then, I've come to this conclusion:
I don't think having a PLB would change the way I do anything.
But if something did happen to me, first and foremost, it would save a lot of other people time and trouble, let alone increase my chances of rescue. Those people would be searching for me after 24 hours regardless.

For their sake alone, it's probably worth it.

As for maintaining that connection to the city world, whatever, I suppose it makes no difference. The city will always be with us somehow.

I take a PLB only to get my family and friends off my back, since I backpack solo. I certainly do not take extra risks because I have it. In fact, if it weren't for the family pressure, I would leave it at home. My hiking is on-trail and generally in relatively popular areas, so somebody is bound to come along within a day. My only concern if I drop dead out in the wilds is that hopefully someone will rescue my dog!

On the other hand, for those, no matter how experienced, who go off-trail solo in isolated areas, having the gadget might save a life. This cautionary tale might be of interest: http://www.backpacker.com/june_2002_feature_survival_hiker_mike_turner_wyoming/articles/4585?page=1

From a SAR point of view, a rescue will go a lot faster if they have a location to home in on (assuming, of course, that you stay at that location once you've pushed the button). Pushing the button unless it's a life-and-death situation is, of course, unconscionable and (with a PLB) makes you subject to fines and imprisonment. This needs to be done with SPOT and other such gadgets, too.

Hi Mary,

Have to admit, this story has haunted me since it was originally published and it always comes to mind when I'm involved in this sort of discussion. Whatever I may think about the psychological "purity" of my next trip into the mountains, I have to admit to myself that a lifetime of successful trips has little bearing on what happens on this one.

Regards,

Rick

"Whatever I may think about the psychological "purity" of my next trip into the mountains, I have to admit to myself that a lifetime of successful trips has little bearing on what happens on this one."

+1

"Whatever I may think about the psychological "purity" of my next trip into the mountains, I have to admit to myself that a lifetime of successful trips has little bearing on what happens on this one."

+2

Yes folks … it's a (less) Brave New World out there.

Art,
I can send you my Lat/Lon.
Can you send someone to explain it to me?

much appreciated…
gotta run now…

"Doesn't anybody get "it" anymore ?"

It's probably just you brother.

"Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing"
– Helen Keller –

Responsible people who knowingly take greater risks have a
backup plan that does not tax the resources of everyone
else without their OK.
They make plans with buddies to come to their aid.
In this case, as far as devices, a Spot would be a better device as it could alert your friends to come look.

Otherwise you risk becoming a SAR welfare recipient.

And

Maybe those that want to do everything Mano-a-Nature
could sign a "DO NOT RESCUE" slip. Family members
would have to agree and sign it with witnesses.

Perhaps everyone should also be carrying an something
like an Avalanche Beacon that works even if you are unconcious?

"No man is an island."

But some are Atolls.

wrong forum for adventure discussions apparently.

HYOH

Sweet.
I'd like to see your "Do Not Rescue" paperwork. If that's what it takes to get your kicks, rock on.

Them's some bold words friend.

"Doesn't anybody get "it" anymore ?"

This is starting to sound like a Werner Erhard EST session.

"Them's some bold words friend."

+5

Joe Simpson author of Touching the Void and they guy who cut the rope has written other books on climbing to help support his expeditions. In one entitled "The Beckoning Silence" he explains as best he can why he takes the risks and continues to climb even though each year he loses a friend or acquaintances in the climbing world. It includes some great true adventure stories and photos. It's a good read.

More brainstorming-

http://www.recco.com/system/reflectors_info.asp

How 'bout a reflector like these avalanche ones that
stay sewed into gear, take no batteries and work
anytime a helicopter or ground searchers have the
reciever/transmitter? Works if you are incapcitated
etc.

Range is very limited. But maybe there is better tech
waiting out there.

"But maybe there is better tech
waiting out there."

Like, maybe, a PLB??

A PLB won't summon help if you can't activate it or
can't afford it, or forget it, or it runs out of
batteries, or you are afraid to use it soon enough
because you're worried about rescue fees or fines.

I wonder if John Rae ever wished he had a PLB or a SPOT ?

I prefer cutting the cord. I keep this in mind when ever I am about to attempt something risky or it involves an element of harm if performed incorrectly.

Once while in Northern Ontario the outfitter who flew us in provided and demanded that we carry a small VHF radio. We were warned that we could only contact aircraft that we could see. If I really felt the need to contact civilization, I would carry a satelite phone because I can provide SAR the information needed to triage and assess the emergency.

I suspect with growing age, health problems and more responsibilities I too will gradually change my ways!

I guess I didn't phrase what I meant right.

The person asking the question said he liked pushing his limits but was worried that now with a young family, that maybe he ought to carry a PLB so that he can continue to push his limits when he goes out.

I thought that sounded like pushing the potential cost of his risk-taking onto SAR/the taxpayers and it seemed less responsible to me than cutting back on the risky stuff. In other words, it sounded like he wanted to have his cake and eat it, too.