Re the "free healthcare" that is being proposed... recent changes in the bill.. you make 55K a year you pay the first $5,500 for your "free healthcare"
SPOT = "Yuppie 911"
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Re the "free healthcare" that is being proposed... recent changes in the bill.. you make 55K a year you pay the first $5,500 for your "free healthcare"
M
mod03rmk800
Well-known member
I have the Spot. Main use is the "tracking" feature. Wife can see what/where I am at out there for ease of mind, and I can see where I went.
The "help" button is set-up to contacted MY first choice of people that I wish to come for a break-down or minor injury situation.
911 would only get used for a very serious injury to myself or anyone else I may come into contact with that needs immediate medical attention.
For me, I feel a device like the SPOT is right up there after a beacon.
Don't quite understand the whole "Spot are for kids" type of a thing or the I can get out of any situation myself deal? I am 40 years old and spent most of my life recreating in the mountains of Montana/Idaho/Washington and understand what a useful tool like the Spot can be, when used responsibly. There are a lot of different kinds of situations that you or someone you come across can have happen when you spend enough time out of your house. I realize a "thank-you" may or may not be coming when I push my 911 button. But at least I will know that I did all I was capable to do in a CRITICAL situation.
The "help" button is set-up to contacted MY first choice of people that I wish to come for a break-down or minor injury situation.
911 would only get used for a very serious injury to myself or anyone else I may come into contact with that needs immediate medical attention.
For me, I feel a device like the SPOT is right up there after a beacon.
Don't quite understand the whole "Spot are for kids" type of a thing or the I can get out of any situation myself deal? I am 40 years old and spent most of my life recreating in the mountains of Montana/Idaho/Washington and understand what a useful tool like the Spot can be, when used responsibly. There are a lot of different kinds of situations that you or someone you come across can have happen when you spend enough time out of your house. I realize a "thank-you" may or may not be coming when I push my 911 button. But at least I will know that I did all I was capable to do in a CRITICAL situation.
The 911 button should be regarded the same as dialing 911. So if you dial 911 and its a bunk call, you get prosecuted. If you push the 911 button on a SPOT and its a bunk call, you get prosecuted. It is as simple as that.
People will abuse it, people abuse the dial 911 function. People will abuse everything that is offered to them, not all people but some people. It happens everyday in all walks of life. It's unavoidable and it cannot be stopped.
Healthcare is being abused
welfare is being abused
911 is being abused
all drugs are being abused
Our President is abusing his power (Sorry, I was dying to say that)
the list goes on an on
I think that the SPOT and others like it are great devices and will save lives.
People will abuse it, people abuse the dial 911 function. People will abuse everything that is offered to them, not all people but some people. It happens everyday in all walks of life. It's unavoidable and it cannot be stopped.
Healthcare is being abused
welfare is being abused
911 is being abused
all drugs are being abused
Our President is abusing his power (Sorry, I was dying to say that)
the list goes on an on
I think that the SPOT and others like it are great devices and will save lives.
Great post!
Those examples are ridiculous.
I do however believe that as a whole, Snowmobilers are a little smarter than that on the need for calling for emergency help just from the sheer fact that we all know exactly what could happen if something does go wrong. We know that if something goes wrong and we must spend a night in the cold, it is not going to be pleasant, so we think ahead and pack accordingly.
Good post, I am glad to see that mis-use will not be looked upon kindly, and a reminder to keep ourselves safe and aware of our surroundings.
Those examples are ridiculous.
I do however believe that as a whole, Snowmobilers are a little smarter than that on the need for calling for emergency help just from the sheer fact that we all know exactly what could happen if something does go wrong. We know that if something goes wrong and we must spend a night in the cold, it is not going to be pleasant, so we think ahead and pack accordingly.Good post, I am glad to see that mis-use will not be looked upon kindly, and a reminder to keep ourselves safe and aware of our surroundings.
I think it is a great communication tool.
Like PJ said, it is just like calling 911. Rescuers respond, thinking they might have to risk their lives to save someone.
Using it on every ride, especially if it is a late day on the hill and someone is worried back at camp, when you are having a pop while leisurely loading your sled is the most common use for my group. It saves them from driving up the logging road all worried.... which has happened.
If I was stuck in a bowl, and had to spend the night, I would still send the OK signal. It tells whoever you want, where you are, and you are not gonna die.
Help button is for someone bringing you a jerry can of fuel.
Like PJ said, it is just like calling 911. Rescuers respond, thinking they might have to risk their lives to save someone.
Using it on every ride, especially if it is a late day on the hill and someone is worried back at camp, when you are having a pop while leisurely loading your sled is the most common use for my group. It saves them from driving up the logging road all worried.... which has happened.
If I was stuck in a bowl, and had to spend the night, I would still send the OK signal. It tells whoever you want, where you are, and you are not gonna die.
Help button is for someone bringing you a jerry can of fuel.
Thats the problem with..well..assuming humans are capable of responsability and intelligence.
Just because some of us walk and speak does not mean "inteligence" exists..
Fines, I don't think are right approach.. We have enough fines and regulations and laws. We need to inform (make smart) our kind..otherwise people will just pay the fine and do it again. Fines don't fix stupidity.. And I mean this in a very broud generallized way..not just in reguards to this SPOT incident.
F
fassteddie
Well-known member
99% hikers. don't think i read anything about snowmobliers. i leave mine off until i need it for emerc. and they do work ask the good folks at the vahalla inn up in new denver b.c. where there is o. cell service. spot was used to bring help to albrect after a massive life threating avalanche in 07. (don't the stories remind you of people looking for a government bailout)
This is apalling. I think they should face a stiff fine if they push the button in anything other than a life threatening emergency. Some people's kids... sheesh.
Z
zrt1000
Member
My sister was the first person onscene of a car accident. She called 911, ambulance came hauled off the victim, she was sent the ambulance bill of $5000 because she was the one who called, she spent $4000 in attorny fees to fight it. Apperently she should of searched the body for his cell or drove to the sherriff's office or drove away??????
Thats pretty funny right there!
My sister was the first person onscene of a car accident. She called 911, ambulance came hauled off the victim, she was sent the ambulance bill of $5000 because she was the one who called, she spent $4000 in attorny fees to fight it. Apperently she should of searched the body for his cell or drove to the sherriff's office or drove away??????
Really?????????????????????????????????????????
The only time you hit the SOS button is when your situation is so grave it warrents putting other peoples lives at risk. Any other use of the SOS button should be prosecuted.
Why not just make it like fires around here. If you call in the local Volunteer fire dept falsely I think its a 1000 fine or something like that. It goes right into there fund. So if S&R is called in falsely they should get payed the fine to help offset the costs probably doesn't cover it but should help with the problem.
X
XC700116
ACCOUNT CLOSED
Like all of our gear it is a tool. IF the guy using it isn't smarter than the tool there's a strong possability that it will go poorly. I personally don't have one although I've been seriously considering it.
I do agree 100% that while it may not stop it from happening a heavy duty fine, that actually covers the costs of S&R, should be applied if the person pushing the button obviously isn't in need of rescue.
There is the problem with the subjectivity of some situations though. Say your WAY out in the back country and fall through the ice on a frozen lake your fire starting gear is in your sled at the bottom of the lake. Your separated from your group and can't get them on the radio. Now you know it's only a matter of time before Hypothermia sets in, do you push the button now or wait until your starting to halucinate and it's dark out making a rescue much more difficult and dangerous? Do you push it at all? The subjectivity of when the button is pushed and at what situations a fine should be applied is a tough call.
I do agree 100% that while it may not stop it from happening a heavy duty fine, that actually covers the costs of S&R, should be applied if the person pushing the button obviously isn't in need of rescue.
There is the problem with the subjectivity of some situations though. Say your WAY out in the back country and fall through the ice on a frozen lake your fire starting gear is in your sled at the bottom of the lake. Your separated from your group and can't get them on the radio. Now you know it's only a matter of time before Hypothermia sets in, do you push the button now or wait until your starting to halucinate and it's dark out making a rescue much more difficult and dangerous? Do you push it at all? The subjectivity of when the button is pushed and at what situations a fine should be applied is a tough call.
That is retarded!!!My sister was the first person onscene of a car accident. She called 911, ambulance came hauled off the victim, she was sent the ambulance bill of $5000 because she was the one who called, she spent $4000 in attorny fees to fight it. Apperently she should of searched the body for his cell or drove to the sherriff's office or drove away??????
I have and continue to use my GPIRB sattelite (GPS Position Indicataing Radio beacon) in conjunction with SPOT for my backcontry adventures.
They are lifesavers and continue to save lives.
The SPOT is a natural evolution of that device.. I especially like the Help feature and the tracking service... That gets me help if I'm not in Dire Straits from my OWN group of responders.
There is a fine for a false "911" trigger... you are responsible for your gear... and its use.
It SHOULD be a HUGE fine for an intentional trigger of the 911 feature if there is no life threatening situation.
The tracking feature and ability to overlay this info on google maps and topo features is great to use.
In addition to the notification features of the SPOT... the optional SAR insurance plans for Evac and medical are affordable and provide a real value to the users.
The new Spot messanger has the SOS and Help buttons more shrouded to protect against accidental activation.
I really like the 1 way texting idea to get the word out of what the situation is.
To ME.... DEFINATELY NOT a KIDS toy nor a "Yuppie" gadget..
This is as serious a tool as anything out there in the SAR world..
Prudent use of the "HELP" button with a pre-concieved network of "Helpers" makes for a safer world....
They are lifesavers and continue to save lives.
The SPOT is a natural evolution of that device.. I especially like the Help feature and the tracking service... That gets me help if I'm not in Dire Straits from my OWN group of responders.
There is a fine for a false "911" trigger... you are responsible for your gear... and its use.
It SHOULD be a HUGE fine for an intentional trigger of the 911 feature if there is no life threatening situation.
The tracking feature and ability to overlay this info on google maps and topo features is great to use.
In addition to the notification features of the SPOT... the optional SAR insurance plans for Evac and medical are affordable and provide a real value to the users.
http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=104
The new Spot messanger has the SOS and Help buttons more shrouded to protect against accidental activation.
I really like the 1 way texting idea to get the word out of what the situation is.
To ME.... DEFINATELY NOT a KIDS toy nor a "Yuppie" gadget..
This is as serious a tool as anything out there in the SAR world..
Prudent use of the "HELP" button with a pre-concieved network of "Helpers" makes for a safer world....
K
kxcorky
New member
My husband used his last April after finding a creek he didn't know was there. If life flight wouldn't have made it he would have died. He broke his trechia and the EMT from the chopped saved his life by putting a tube down his throat. Spend four days in ICU and 3 weeks in the hospital.
I take mine when I ride my dirt bike and hunt, just peace of mind, but good to know that if you were in trouble they will come and get you no matter why you push the button.
I take mine when I ride my dirt bike and hunt, just peace of mind, but good to know that if you were in trouble they will come and get you no matter why you push the button.
My sister was the first person onscene of a car accident. She called 911, ambulance came hauled off the victim, she was sent the ambulance bill of $5000 because she was the one who called, she spent $4000 in attorny fees to fight it. Apperently she should of searched the body for his cell or drove to the sherriff's office or drove away??????
WOW,i can't believe that,what bs be a good samaritan and that is what happens,the victim should have spoke in her defense.Most insurances cover an ambulance ride.Makes me think if i come to an accident what i should do,tell them the situation and let the ambulance make the decision,wtf.I hope she got her money back.lol.
Last year in west a kid got stuck and seperated from his riding buddies. He hit the button, and by the time SAR got there he was un-stuck and back riding with his pals!!! So yes, snowmobilers are just as dumb at times as the "Yuppies". Don't think we are immune. However, my cousin in AK has one he uses for flying. He pays $50.00 a year, and his SPOT is programed to always transmit so anyone with internet access can see where he is at all times. Then it has a help button, it dosen't contact SAR, only his buddies that he has programed to get the alert will know he needs help. His wife backpacks all the time in grizzly country and when i was there this summer, we could see exactly where she was, and she could send out "OK" messages every few hours and we knew everything was good! They are a great device, especially for thoes of us who do use the "backcountry". But it is NOT to be abused.
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