I carried an ACR PLB for years mainly to convince my wife it was OK to be bushwhacking off trail in the back country. Then I added a Garmin 66i so I could stay in touch a bit better, but still carried the ACR. Last week, for the first time I relied only on my 66i and InReach if we had an emergency on our annual hike to the Lizard Head Wilderness in CO. Well, we didn't have an emergency--but a young lady we encountered did have a life-threatening situation arise, far into the wilderness at 12K feet. Never thought I'd punch that 'sos' button, but I did. Had the rescue center online in about 3 minutes; they conferred with local EMS/SAR, and had helo ordered in ten. Took over two hours to complete the evacuation, and she was pretty well tanking on us--but hallelujah, she left alive, and is now home recovering. What amazed me is that about a dozen hikers passed the scene--Navajo Lake basin area--and not ONE of them had anything but a cell phone, and there ain't no cell reception in most of that area. So, yeh: carry these things. That lady saw the next day come, thanks to Providence and Garmin. And enough common sense to be prepared(!).
Ah man, thank you for sharing that and so glad it worked out. It's funny because I've experienced the same thing. I carried an ACR for years, then got he InReach, and have already used it a few times for other folks but not myself. With the big influx of hikers since the lockdown, I'm thinking I'll need it more and more for that. Like you mentioned, so many folks only have phones and seem to be generally unprepared. And it will probably always be that way. So yea, if you're reading this and are on the fence about an InReach, know that you could easily save someone's life with it, even if it's not your own.
I really like the framework you used. Not knowing the outcome and risk to life or limb are great ways to look at it. I've spent a lot of time in the backcountry but bought my first inreach.
Thank you for this video. I recently started to get serious about the idea of purchasing an InReach after couple weeks ago there was news of a local regular hiker who started a hike on a nice dry-weathered day, but most likely got lost and ultimately died from hypothermia after a snow storm hit the day after. It scared me badly and made me realize how most LA hikers don’t carry the 10 essential hiking items and think some water and their phone is going to be enough.
Yea, having an InReach or PLB is def worth the cost in my book (along with the essentials). Random accidents happen, mistakes happen, and errors in judgement happen. Being able to mitigate them potentially being fatal is worth whatever cost these things incur.
Expectations. For those who’ve never been in the backcountry and hit the SOS button DON’T expect your rescuer to show up in 5 minutes or 30 minutes or 3 hours. Often times the rescuer must hike a considerable distance to get to you over challenging terrain. It’s gonna take time. I was hiking in the Cottonwood Lakes area just after New Army Pass on my way to Guitar Lake when I couldn’t go any further due to a breathing issue. I hit the SOS button and it took almost 6 hours for a Ranger to show up. I’m didn’t wait around knowing it would take time so since it was 3:30 pm when I sent my signal for help, I set up camp, made a hot meal and waited. The Ranger arrived at around 9. We decided my situation was not life threatening so I spent the night and hiked to an evac point the next morning. I was fortunate to have set up my camp in the daylight. Anyway, I think it’s important for your subscribers to know how the process works and what they should do to protect themselves.
I’ve carried an EPIRB (Personal Locator Beacon PLB) for years. I saw in Viet Nam, the value of a personal SOS beacon. Two of our pilots were pulled out and saved. Without that radio beacon, they would not have made it. I buy, maintain, and carry the beacon, and hope that the money is wasted money because it was unnecessary. Other folks may earn themselves a Darwin Award. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
Excellent video. Even carrying a cheap emergency blanket, extra snacks and water, extra layers along with raingear, a first aid kit, and maybe some elastic knee and ankle braces or elastic wraps, you should be OK for a bit. A tarp is nice too.
I've read your articles previously and I struggle with this. We often hike in a small group in the high country - day hikes with dogs, sometimes the edges of desolation wilderness. I think a subscription service is overkill for us, but will definitely look into the options. Thanks for the video.
Yea, I get it, and I think a lot of folks deal with the same question. If you just want a bail out option without any subscription costs, a PLB is still a really great choice. It's what most ocean-going sailors use. If you want to be able to communicate with the outside world + have SOS, then a basic subscription is solid move. But again, lots of folks just want a solid rescue option if there is trouble, and for that, a PLB is great.
The inreach subscription service has multiple plan prices. Also, you can suspend it & restart whenever you want. So if you aren't hiking for the winter, suspend service for 3-4 months, then renew the day before your first spring hike.
I like your load out and the majority of your recommendations as well as "when to hit SOS" I'm still using the standalone Spot Messenger until I buy a Garmin 66I - currently using a 64sx. I'd suggest more for medical/ First Aid supplies based on an individuals qualifications At least a remote or wilderness FA. One issue I do have with this vid is 16:03 Zero viz, lost, cold, lightning: though this is one of the most extreme circumstances one can imagine, my personal advice and what I would do would be to dig in and shelter in place with what you have, get warm, avoid the lightning and wait out the storm. An experienced hiker should at least have a means of building shelter - light weight hiking tarp or something similar to set up - and multiple ways of lighting a fire. I highly doubt any SAR team career or volunteer, will be responding in those conditions, especially if high in the mountains, as it would be insanely dangerous if even possible for a helicopter insertion/extraction! Checking the forecast is a must prior to any hike. Of course following The Three T's is a great way to prepare and be safe www.adventuresmart.ca/the-three-ts/
To add to the life and limb criteria, our SAR group adds "eyesight" to that list as well. That's conveniently our local naval air station helo SAR team's guidelines for activation on civilian missions.
Cool I'm a beginner hiker and I pack my bags with first aid kit, inreach water filtration mylar foils granola bars lighter magnesium fire starter pulse ox ibuprofen whistle rescue mirror multiple flashlight ham radio with local repeater so I guess I got that thing somewhat right
Thank you for sharing your knowledge, as a novice to the back country, your channel and website have now become my go to. Will you please clarify, with the Garmin in reach view and their basic plan, can i communicate with rescue if I deploy the SOS?
If you think you need to hit that SOS button, you probably do. Better safe than sorry. The Search & Rescue unit in my county is all volunteer (not standing by ready to go or paid to be out patrolling), so response time can be extensive. Depending on where you are in this county, from the time you hit the SOS button, to Garmin contacting the local emergency services, to SAR being in the area of your GPS coordinates (not even on scene if a hike is needed), it's an easy 2-4 hours after you pushed that button. If in that time, you determine you no longer need an SOS, you can call it off. But if you think you need it and wait another 2 hours before hitting it, you're now 2 more hours behind on getting help. I would rather be half way to you and find out you self rescued and no longer need us, than for you to wait and now it's dark, cold, and a much worse rescue or recovery.
I think one biggest fear that I heard or I myself feared is paying for the service, then people try to push it until the last minute. People, please remember help don't come in minutes. It could take hours and sometime maybe day to get to your location!
hi mr Hikingguy, i'm a solo walker, and walking in flat lands, wanting to be safe, being solo, would you advise a PLB? beside my phone and GPS? sadly an inreach is not possible due to the fees required every month is it a far better option to get a bivy sack, and if in a SOS just sit out and wait for help? without getting a PLB?
I travel by motorcycle alot many times i have been in spot with little to no cell service, is the sos feature strictly for back country use or could it be used to call for help in a non cell phone emergency situation on remote roads, and what is your knowledge of using these devices hiking outside the us, are they still functional, is there a good system outside the US. Thanks for the very helpful vids thinking of getting into hiking.
Yea, a PLB or InReach would work perfectly. Head over to HikingGuy.com where I have a bunch of them. For moto the Montana 700i is a good choice - check out my review of the 750i. And both types work worldwide.
One interesting question is cost when you call SOS on your device, but for someone else's injury, like someone you encounter. not even in your group. Who pays the bill? How about someone in your group? Are you automatically charged by being the one who makes the call?
It should be the same experience on the InReach end no matter where you are. The only difference is that GEOS will reach out to whoever is in charge of the rescue in that country. From an end-user perspective, it should be the same. In terms of costs or rescue logistics, I'm not really familiar, but guessing it's similar. I do remember reading some stories on the InReach rescue blog and they mentioned military responders, so that might be more common, especially in areas that don't have park rangers or coast guards. Sorry, which I had more info.
@@Hikingguy This does help. Thanks. My wife and I expect to resume ocean cruising this year and we often go off our own in ports. I'll start carrying my 66i with us.
So lets say I have a 66i, and didn't/don't want to pay for the inreach service. If I hit the SOS button, does it work without paying a fee? Or do I need to activate the In Reach service first, before I can send out an SOS?
Depending on where you are, the rescue itself may need to be paid, or may be chargeable ($$$$$). That is not included in the inreach plan. but in some locations it's covered by public funding, in others you may have insurance or may have to but a rescue membership (GEOS)
I'm a motorcyclist and some trails and roadways I'll be on are known to out of cell towers range. I would like to know is there availability to rent these satellite devices rather than purchase?? Thanks
I don't think you can but I could be wrong. You could get a PLB relatively cheaply and just keep it with you: hikingguy.com/hiking-gear/acr-resqlink-view-plb-review-acr-plb-or-garmin-inreach/
Theoretically yes, but in that case its more a question of access by rescue teams. It's the same in dense forest. You might hit SOS but not have a place for a helicopter to evacuate, so a ground crew has to come and put you on a stretcher, then carrying you out.
Great info, thank you......I saw a youtube vid weeks ago, where is swear this guy went out intentionally got himself into a bad situation and hit the panic button on his emergency transponder just so he could film it all and post it on his channel for likes, that was B.S. Thank you for not doing that.
Here is a scenario: you are walking between the mountains and see something creeping up at you, its bigfoot. what do you do? you're gonna have to hit the SOS button.
I'm concerned this video will prompt people to hit the button too early waste tax payer money and peoples time potentially putting them at risk or take them away from a dying person to pick up an ill prepared person or someone with a sprain or headache. I was looking for a guideline myself so I push the button before it's a body recovery. In my opinion and likely I'm wrong, If one of my major bones are broken, a tendon is torn and disconnected not sprained and I can't crawl within reason to safety (bush line, camp, away from imminent death or severely permanent injury) fingers & toes don't count unless you call a helli taxi not SOS. A open wound that you can't get bleeding under control or has severed a muscle group physically stopping you from moving if you couldn't feel the pain. Impalement eg stick through the guts ( even if you could isolate it and walk out) this could cause a lot of damage. If you've got wet ie in a river crossing and you've stripped off have dry stuff on and have made a fire or can't and your shutting down (If you've had hypothermia this will make sense) disoriented, feel hyperthermic, stripping off clothes, uncontrollably tired and your alone. These thing's I feel are reasons to push the button and it's a dice roll if you make it and if the signal gets out in time. But it's better than no chance. Don't take that chance away from others that are in serious need.
I'm not sure what to tell you; this is the advice from one of the busiest SAR teams in the country. From what I understand people hitting the button because something like a headache rarely happens.
Remember that we always have to be on the safe side of that decision. So if someone is uncertain, it may be a situation which is a no brainer for us, we need that person to trigger an SOS before they get in deeper trouble. As a public agency our mission is to serve the public. At least in California, there is no charge for SAR services as we are all volunteers.
Advising someone to wait to long especially if their inexperienced is bad advice! I live in the desert, we loose people out here every summer! Visitors from the city, experienced hikers, even a Marine off our local base now & then. If your in doubt hit the button, tax payers aren't an issue, believe me you will get billed if you survive. We just had a club member choppered out of Cottonwood Springs during an outing, a Fire Captain $20K+ transport bill!
@@CD-hc5ds We get mainly time wasters. You arent billed here if its legit you even get a free replacement PLB. We have people die here from exposure wet, cold, then the wind picks up. Just above or below freezing will get ya. Maybe I could of worded it better, I was thinking to stop, assess, create a game plan. Tape up the joint, pop some meds, get some food and water in then if you are still poked push the button. Not be a unfit fat fuck with a mild injury, going in to deep, then thumb a taxi ride out
@@craigdawson7632 Hear ya. I grew up in the desert, my hobby takes me to some pretty remote places with little to no cell service. It amazes me the people you run across stuck or broke down in the desert, at times with no 4WD & little water! Its like WTF are you even doing out here??? You always stop to help but theres always the Darwin Effect to.
i haven't heard anybody cover this one. I have a garmin mini 2 . I am on a backpacking trip and I come across a injured hiker who needs medical and it qualifies for a SOS but I am making the call who is charged?
I carried an ACR PLB for years mainly to convince my wife it was OK to be bushwhacking off trail in the back country. Then I added a Garmin 66i so I could stay in touch a bit better, but still carried the ACR. Last week, for the first time I relied only on my 66i and InReach if we had an emergency on our annual hike to the Lizard Head Wilderness in CO. Well, we didn't have an emergency--but a young lady we encountered did have a life-threatening situation arise, far into the wilderness at 12K feet. Never thought I'd punch that 'sos' button, but I did. Had the rescue center online in about 3 minutes; they conferred with local EMS/SAR, and had helo ordered in ten. Took over two hours to complete the evacuation, and she was pretty well tanking on us--but hallelujah, she left alive, and is now home recovering. What amazed me is that about a dozen hikers passed the scene--Navajo Lake basin area--and not ONE of them had anything but a cell phone, and there ain't no cell reception in most of that area. So, yeh: carry these things. That lady saw the next day come, thanks to Providence and Garmin. And enough common sense to be prepared(!).
Ah man, thank you for sharing that and so glad it worked out. It's funny because I've experienced the same thing. I carried an ACR for years, then got he InReach, and have already used it a few times for other folks but not myself. With the big influx of hikers since the lockdown, I'm thinking I'll need it more and more for that. Like you mentioned, so many folks only have phones and seem to be generally unprepared. And it will probably always be that way. So yea, if you're reading this and are on the fence about an InReach, know that you could easily save someone's life with it, even if it's not your own.
Fail to plan = plan to fail.
What device did you hit the sos on ? The inreach or 66i ?
Well now Apple phones will be able to call SOS just like Garmin 😂 recent keynote did not say that was happening but it's coming.
I do SAR. There are groups everywhere in the country, and we're always looking for more people.
I really like the framework you used. Not knowing the outcome and risk to life or limb are great ways to look at it. I've spent a lot of time in the backcountry but bought my first inreach.
Thanks, glad it was helpful, and enjoy the InReach, it's a really powerful too and I love it more over time.
Thank you for this video. I recently started to get serious about the idea of purchasing an InReach after couple weeks ago there was news of a local regular hiker who started a hike on a nice dry-weathered day, but most likely got lost and ultimately died from hypothermia after a snow storm hit the day after. It scared me badly and made me realize how most LA hikers don’t carry the 10 essential hiking items and think some water and their phone is going to be enough.
Yea, having an InReach or PLB is def worth the cost in my book (along with the essentials). Random accidents happen, mistakes happen, and errors in judgement happen. Being able to mitigate them potentially being fatal is worth whatever cost these things incur.
Expectations. For those who’ve never been in the backcountry and hit the SOS button DON’T expect your rescuer to show up in 5 minutes or 30 minutes or 3 hours. Often times the rescuer must hike a considerable distance to get to you over challenging terrain. It’s gonna take time. I was hiking in the Cottonwood Lakes area just after New Army Pass on my way to Guitar Lake when I couldn’t go any further due to a breathing issue. I hit the SOS button and it took almost 6 hours for a Ranger to show up. I’m didn’t wait around knowing it would take time so since it was 3:30 pm when I sent my signal for help, I set up camp, made a hot meal and waited. The Ranger arrived at around 9. We decided my situation was not life threatening so I spent the night and hiked to an evac point the next morning. I was fortunate to have set up my camp in the daylight. Anyway, I think it’s important for your subscribers to know how the process works and what they should do to protect themselves.
I’ve carried an EPIRB (Personal Locator Beacon PLB) for years. I saw in Viet Nam, the value of a personal SOS beacon. Two of our pilots were pulled out and saved. Without that radio beacon, they would not have made it. I buy, maintain, and carry the beacon, and hope that the money is wasted money because it was unnecessary. Other folks may earn themselves a Darwin Award.
Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
Good stuff. Remember that SAR are potentially putting their life on the line to rescue - so make sure it is a valid emergency. Well done 👍🏼
Thanks thanks, and yea, hopefully this clarifies what warrants a call and gives people an easy criteria to measure against. 👍👍
Excellent video. Even carrying a cheap emergency blanket, extra snacks and water, extra layers along with raingear, a first aid kit, and maybe some elastic knee and ankle braces or elastic wraps, you should be OK for a bit. A tarp is nice too.
Really valuable stuff. When in the back country I always have my inreach (and sometimes the inreach and ACR as a backup).
Same, for an ounce or two more having both is worth it for me.
Excellent article Chris. Every walker-hiker should read.
Thank you! 👍🙏
I've read your articles previously and I struggle with this. We often hike in a small group in the high country - day hikes with dogs, sometimes the edges of desolation wilderness. I think a subscription service is overkill for us, but will definitely look into the options. Thanks for the video.
Yea, I get it, and I think a lot of folks deal with the same question. If you just want a bail out option without any subscription costs, a PLB is still a really great choice. It's what most ocean-going sailors use. If you want to be able to communicate with the outside world + have SOS, then a basic subscription is solid move. But again, lots of folks just want a solid rescue option if there is trouble, and for that, a PLB is great.
The inreach subscription service has multiple plan prices. Also, you can suspend it & restart whenever you want. So if you aren't hiking for the winter, suspend service for 3-4 months, then renew the day before your first spring hike.
Valuable info, clearly and effectively presented. Thank you!
I like your load out and the majority of your recommendations as well as "when to hit SOS" I'm still using the standalone Spot Messenger until I buy a Garmin 66I - currently using a 64sx. I'd suggest more for medical/ First Aid supplies based on an individuals qualifications At least a remote or wilderness FA.
One issue I do have with this vid is 16:03 Zero viz, lost, cold, lightning: though this is one of the most extreme circumstances one can imagine, my personal advice and what I would do would be to dig in and shelter in place with what you have, get warm, avoid the lightning and wait out the storm. An experienced hiker should at least have a means of building shelter - light weight hiking tarp or something similar to set up - and multiple ways of lighting a fire. I highly doubt any SAR team career or volunteer, will be responding in those conditions, especially if high in the mountains, as it would be insanely dangerous if even possible for a helicopter insertion/extraction! Checking the forecast is a must prior to any hike.
Of course following The Three T's is a great way to prepare and be safe www.adventuresmart.ca/the-three-ts/
Great job and appreciate all your information you share.!!
I bought the mini inreach and waiting to arrive.
You're welcome and enjoy your Mini - it's a great tool to have out there!
Thank you very informative
Old vid, great info. Thanks.
Thank you. This was useful
To add to the life and limb criteria, our SAR group adds "eyesight" to that list as well. That's conveniently our local naval air station helo SAR team's guidelines for activation on civilian missions.
Makes a lot of sense, thanks for dropping that into the comments.
Thanks for the advice
Cool I'm a beginner hiker and I pack my bags with first aid kit, inreach water filtration mylar foils granola bars lighter magnesium fire starter pulse ox ibuprofen whistle rescue mirror multiple flashlight ham radio with local repeater so I guess I got that thing somewhat right
Thank you for this information
Excellent video. Thank you!
You are welcome! 👍👍👍
Thank you for this video. Great information, and thank you for getting alternate and expert input.
You're welcome, glad that it was useful 👍
Thank you for sharing your knowledge, as a novice to the back country, your channel and website have now become my go to. Will you please clarify, with the Garmin in reach view and their basic plan, can i communicate with rescue if I deploy the SOS?
Thank you 👍 And yes, you can do SOS with all the plans.
I had 5 miles left to finish off the Inka Trail and i sprained my ankle 😂 i had to hike out by myself man that 🤕 hurt...
thanks for the information.
Great information!
Glad it was helpful! 👍
If you think you need to hit that SOS button, you probably do. Better safe than sorry. The Search & Rescue unit in my county is all volunteer (not standing by ready to go or paid to be out patrolling), so response time can be extensive. Depending on where you are in this county, from the time you hit the SOS button, to Garmin contacting the local emergency services, to SAR being in the area of your GPS coordinates (not even on scene if a hike is needed), it's an easy 2-4 hours after you pushed that button. If in that time, you determine you no longer need an SOS, you can call it off. But if you think you need it and wait another 2 hours before hitting it, you're now 2 more hours behind on getting help. I would rather be half way to you and find out you self rescued and no longer need us, than for you to wait and now it's dark, cold, and a much worse rescue or recovery.
I think one biggest fear that I heard or I myself feared is paying for the service, then people try to push it until the last minute.
People, please remember help don't come in minutes. It could take hours and sometime maybe day to get to your location!
If you press SOS for a leg cramp you're still gonna need rescue because I'm kicking you ass lmao. JK Jk.
Great video, appreciate the info
If there is a fire shouldn't you still hit the SOS button to report it. Great video. Thanks
Hiking Guy, I know this is an old video but what kind of jacket are you wearing in 3:41 ?
It's an older version of the REI puffer, really good, lightweight and warm > bit.ly/3gJ5n5s
@@Hikingguy many thanks! I appreciate the response
Very good information,
Good video. Let me add Anaphylaxis to the list. You get stung or have a food allergy, hit the button.
take an epipen with you and quit being a wuss.
hi mr Hikingguy, i'm a solo walker, and walking in flat lands, wanting to be safe, being solo, would you advise a PLB?
beside my phone and GPS?
sadly an inreach is not possible due to the fees required every month
is it a far better option to get a bivy sack, and if in a SOS just sit out and wait for help? without getting a PLB?
Yes, PLB worth the money, accidents can happen and it can save your life.
What about a coastal marine situation. The boat is sinking and you're in a life raft?
Yup, you can use it then.
I travel by motorcycle alot many times i have been in spot with little to no cell service, is the sos feature strictly for back country use or could it be used to call for help in a non cell phone emergency situation on remote roads, and what is your knowledge of using these devices hiking outside the us, are they still functional, is there a good system outside the US. Thanks for the very helpful vids thinking of getting into hiking.
Yea, a PLB or InReach would work perfectly. Head over to HikingGuy.com where I have a bunch of them. For moto the Montana 700i is a good choice - check out my review of the 750i. And both types work worldwide.
One interesting question is cost when you call SOS on your device, but for someone else's injury, like someone you encounter. not even in your group. Who pays the bill? How about someone in your group? Are you automatically charged by being the one who makes the call?
The person getting rescued is the person responsible. It's like calling 911 to report a problem.
Hi Cris. Can you address the capabilities and procedures of using Inreach internationally?
It should be the same experience on the InReach end no matter where you are. The only difference is that GEOS will reach out to whoever is in charge of the rescue in that country. From an end-user perspective, it should be the same. In terms of costs or rescue logistics, I'm not really familiar, but guessing it's similar. I do remember reading some stories on the InReach rescue blog and they mentioned military responders, so that might be more common, especially in areas that don't have park rangers or coast guards. Sorry, which I had more info.
@@Hikingguy This does help. Thanks. My wife and I expect to resume ocean cruising this year and we often go off our own in ports. I'll start carrying my 66i with us.
@@richardmacpherson3924 Nice, yea, that's a good plan... safe travels & have fun!
So lets say I have a 66i, and didn't/don't want to pay for the inreach service. If I hit the SOS button, does it work without paying a fee? Or do I need to activate the In Reach service first, before I can send out an SOS?
You need to pay for InReach to use SOS. If you want to grab a free SOS option, check out my review of the ACR ResQLink
@@Hikingguy I'll definitely check out the ACR option. Thank You for doing a video on that.
Depending on where you are, the rescue itself may need to be paid, or may be chargeable ($$$$$). That is not included in the inreach plan. but in some locations it's covered by public funding, in others you may have insurance or may have to but a rescue membership (GEOS)
Can you openly text when in SOS mode with Geos?
Yes
@@Hikingguy Thank u!
I'm a motorcyclist and some trails and roadways I'll be on are known to out of cell towers range. I would like to know is there availability to rent these satellite devices rather than purchase?? Thanks
I don't think you can but I could be wrong. You could get a PLB relatively cheaply and just keep it with you: hikingguy.com/hiking-gear/acr-resqlink-view-plb-review-acr-plb-or-garmin-inreach/
If I was 300 feet from Mt K2 summit, and I hit the “sos” for immediate rescue on my Garmin mini - Would they come to save me?
Theoretically yes, but in that case its more a question of access by rescue teams. It's the same in dense forest. You might hit SOS but not have a place for a helicopter to evacuate, so a ground crew has to come and put you on a stretcher, then carrying you out.
Did they ever find the hiker?
Not yet. Still lots of snow and ice up there with this week's storm.
Wonder if he'll fit the Missing 411 criteria
yes, several months after he went missing
Excellent content.
Thank you 🙏
Thank you! Do you get penalized for using SOS on instances when you shouldn’t have?
It depends on the situation but unless it's really an egregious call (like a stomach ache or tired) you'll probably be okay.
At what time after an overdue return do we contact Rusty West, or wait, is that only a National Park thing? 😆😆
Your two forms of fire are not redundant if they’re both lost in the same zip… Jussayin…
It's shocking to see how unprepared some folks are! No map or compass, no water or warming layers, etc.
Yea, it's only gotten worse since the pandemic but hopefully the more people hike, the more they'll want to learn about staying safe, etc.
Great info, thank you......I saw a youtube vid weeks ago, where is swear this guy went out intentionally got himself into a bad situation and hit the panic button on his emergency transponder just so he could film it all and post it on his channel for likes, that was B.S. Thank you for not doing that.
ugh yea there are a fair share of jabronis on RUclips - I'd never put anyone in danger like that
Here is a scenario: you are walking between the mountains and see something creeping up at you, its bigfoot. what do you do?
you're gonna have to hit the SOS button.
I'm concerned this video will prompt people to hit the button too early waste tax payer money and peoples time potentially putting them at risk or take them away from a dying person to pick up an ill prepared person or someone with a sprain or headache. I was looking for a guideline myself so I push the button before it's a body recovery. In my opinion and likely I'm wrong, If one of my major bones are broken, a tendon is torn and disconnected not sprained and I can't crawl within reason to safety (bush line, camp, away from imminent death or severely permanent injury) fingers & toes don't count unless you call a helli taxi not SOS. A open wound that you can't get bleeding under control or has severed a muscle group physically stopping you from moving if you couldn't feel the pain. Impalement eg stick through the guts ( even if you could isolate it and walk out) this could cause a lot of damage. If you've got wet ie in a river crossing and you've stripped off have dry stuff on and have made a fire or can't and your shutting down (If you've had hypothermia this will make sense) disoriented, feel hyperthermic, stripping off clothes, uncontrollably tired and your alone. These thing's I feel are reasons to push the button and it's a dice roll if you make it and if the signal gets out in time. But it's better than no chance. Don't take that chance away from others that are in serious need.
I'm not sure what to tell you; this is the advice from one of the busiest SAR teams in the country. From what I understand people hitting the button because something like a headache rarely happens.
Remember that we always have to be on the safe side of that decision. So if someone is uncertain, it may be a situation which is a no brainer for us, we need that person to trigger an SOS before they get in deeper trouble. As a public agency our mission is to serve the public. At least in California, there is no charge for SAR services as we are all volunteers.
Advising someone to wait to long especially if their inexperienced is bad advice! I live in the desert, we loose people out here every summer! Visitors from the city, experienced hikers, even a Marine off our local base now & then. If your in doubt hit the button, tax payers aren't an issue, believe me you will get billed if you survive. We just had a club member choppered out of Cottonwood Springs during an outing, a Fire Captain $20K+ transport bill!
@@CD-hc5ds We get mainly time wasters. You arent billed here if its legit you even get a free replacement PLB.
We have people die here from exposure wet, cold, then the wind picks up. Just above or below freezing will get ya.
Maybe I could of worded it better, I was thinking to stop, assess, create a game plan. Tape up the joint, pop some meds, get some food and water in then if you are still poked push the button.
Not be a unfit fat fuck with a mild injury, going in to deep, then thumb a taxi ride out
@@craigdawson7632
Hear ya. I grew up in the desert, my hobby takes me to some pretty remote places with little to no cell service. It amazes me the people you run across stuck or broke down in the desert, at times with no 4WD & little water! Its like WTF are you even doing out here??? You always stop to help but theres always the Darwin Effect to.
i haven't heard anybody cover this one. I have a garmin mini 2 . I am on a backpacking trip and I come across a injured hiker who needs medical and it qualifies for a SOS but I am making the call who is charged?
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