COMMENT 330824P
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2012-10-12 05:39 PM |
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Santa Barbara County Search & Rescue is a non-profit, public benefit corporation, relying primarily on funding from grants and private donations. Not your tax dollars. But if I was allowed to choose where my tax dollars are spent, I'd certainly pick search and rescue over less valuable programs.
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YIN YANG
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2012-10-12 05:24 PM |
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I read the article a second time after reading the comments. Nowhere do I see any mention that the hikers had a phone or requested help. Has it occurred to anyone that a roommate, family member or friend called emergency services because they didn't come home that night?!
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COMMENT 330774
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2012-10-12 03:42 PM |
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The main point here is that emergency personnel should have helped the people but they should pay for the assistance.
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COMMENT 330746
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2012-10-12 02:24 PM |
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What a bunch cold-hearted folks. Maybe these women really did need help that warrants a response such as this. Anyone who calls the Point Sal area a location that is not dangerous obviously doesn't know how rugged and harsh this area can be. More than one two folks have fallen to their deaths at this beautiful hidden gem.
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COMMENT 330665
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2012-10-12 11:00 AM |
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That's the point, the helicopters are FREE! Did anyone see the story on KEYT this morning that the search and rescue people are skirmishing with the Police Helicopter squad? Someone should post a link to that story!
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COMMENT 330655
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2012-10-12 10:36 AM |
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Ugh, 640--that's terrible!
Guess I'll be keeping the number for a cab handy...
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JUKINJAY
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2012-10-12 10:32 AM |
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A hand-held GPS receiver costs under $100 and many cell phones have GPS built in. Turn it on and set a waypoint at your car before you head out. Follow your track back if you get lost. If you aren't familiar with how to do this, practice on a walk around your neighborhood. You might enjoy some geocaching on your hike (or in your neighborhood) after you get familiar with the idea. Compare the cost of a GPS receiver vs. the cost of a helicopter rescue, no contest.
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COMMENT 330774
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2012-10-12 09:55 AM |
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Our emergency personnel are very unpredictable in their treatment of problems. When I had severe back problems and was unable to stand, walk or even sit my doctor said to call an ambulance. The ambulance took me to the hospital but since there was no blood they said I could have used other transportation. They charged $1630 for a five mile ride. My medical insurance would not pay as the ambulance was "unnecessary". If you call an ambulance do a lot of screaming.
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COMMENT 330635
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2012-10-12 09:47 AM |
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It is sad that the one that counted (the lady who had the heart attack), rescuers screwed up and didn't launch the helicopter when they should have.
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DILLYDALLY
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2012-10-12 09:46 AM |
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Fortunately for all of us we pay taxes so that we can be protected from other peoples ineptitude. Tides change and a lot of that stretch of coast has a high water mark that reaches the cliffs. Do you know how cold air and water needs to be for hypothermia to set in? In 60F water, survival time is 1-6 hours. In damp conditions like a dewy night 50F air can be dangerous if not dressed properly. What would you say if your morning beach stroll was cut short because of dead or unconscious people on beaches or trails? Then you find out the victim called 911 and was told to sort it out on their own. I take comfort in the success our first responders had in finding these people.
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COMMENT 330629P
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2012-10-12 09:26 AM |
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There is a very cheap solution - a map. Also, is there a device that you can carry with you that can tell you where your car is located. Maybe their dog can be trained to do that - and they can learn to follow their footprints to get back to where they started.
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COMMENT 330628
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2012-10-12 09:24 AM |
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Have to agree with 625 on this one... The weather wasnt life threatening, their location wasnt dangerous, yet we send a team and a helicopter to their rescue? what a joke... And on top of that they had a phone and couldn't find their way back? Perhaps a moron tax should be implemented...these people are simply inept.
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COMMENT 330625
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2012-10-12 09:15 AM |
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We really need to either start charging adults for Non life or limb rescues or just not rescue them anymore. This is really quite ridiculous. If their lives are not at risk, let them figure it out. Either find their way home or sleep outside. Less people will then wander off with out making sufficient plans. Maybe they will also take responsibility for their other actions as well. It could prove to be very good for society in general.
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