A SPOT handheld PLB
We were entertained by this this story from the Associated Press that detailed the problem backcountry search and rescue personnel are having with Personal Locator Beacons (PLB), now known as “Yuppie 911 Units” by rangers.
The beacons became legal for personal use in 2003 and last year the units became widely available for under $200. When a button is pushed, the unit sends GPS coordinates to the U.S. Military search and rescue network. From there, a rescue mission is activated, involving thousands of taxpayer dollars and untold risk to the responders.
Unfortunatly, the units are seeming to replace common sense and good woodcraft, allowing hikers to attempt treks for which they are otherwise unprepared. The thinking of users is “If I get into trouble, I just push a button.”
In one recent case, a pair of father-son hikers pulled the alarm three times, once because their water tasted salty and they were afraid that they might dehydrate. The third time rescuers arrived, the pair were forced to return to civilization with the team. The father was cited for “creating a hazardous condition.”
There is also the problem of accidental activation while the units are stored inside a backpack, sending emergency teams on a risky and expensive wild goose chase.
The units are a useful safety tool for outdoors enthusiasts but if you wouldn’t attempt a certain hike without toting a PLB, don’t try it with one.
Remember the days when the tents were canvas and the only chips in camp were produced by a buffalo?
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Latest outdoor problem: “Yuppie 911″
Posted by Brent on 10/30/09 • Categorized as WildBlog
A SPOT handheld PLB
We were entertained by this this story from the Associated Press that detailed the problem backcountry search and rescue personnel are having with Personal Locator Beacons (PLB), now known as “Yuppie 911 Units” by rangers.
The beacons became legal for personal use in 2003 and last year the units became widely available for under $200. When a button is pushed, the unit sends GPS coordinates to the U.S. Military search and rescue network. From there, a rescue mission is activated, involving thousands of taxpayer dollars and untold risk to the responders.
Unfortunatly, the units are seeming to replace common sense and good woodcraft, allowing hikers to attempt treks for which they are otherwise unprepared. The thinking of users is “If I get into trouble, I just push a button.”
In one recent case, a pair of father-son hikers pulled the alarm three times, once because their water tasted salty and they were afraid that they might dehydrate. The third time rescuers arrived, the pair were forced to return to civilization with the team. The father was cited for “creating a hazardous condition.”
There is also the problem of accidental activation while the units are stored inside a backpack, sending emergency teams on a risky and expensive wild goose chase.
The units are a useful safety tool for outdoors enthusiasts but if you wouldn’t attempt a certain hike without toting a PLB, don’t try it with one.
Remember the days when the tents were canvas and the only chips in camp were produced by a buffalo?
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