tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3886645843874813719.post7337445268508253877..comments2024-03-17T13:16:32.825-07:00Comments on PsychologySalon: The Cost of Wilderness Rescue - And Wilderness FearRandy Paterson, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00582873372042325191noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3886645843874813719.post-63138168531004760412012-12-07T11:15:44.448-08:002012-12-07T11:15:44.448-08:00I'm sympathetic to this view. But would you a...I'm sympathetic to this view. But would you also propose a "stupid eater" law for those who develop metabolic problems as a result of poor diet, a "stupid renovator" law for those injured on the job, a "stupid sitter" law for those who get no exercise, and so on? I don't mean to sound sarcastic or cutting there, and perhaps the point is irrelevant if you live in a country without national health care. But it seems there are only certain kinds of poor judgement for which we propose billing the victim. I'd be reluctant to bill the hikers unless we were willing to bill the others, and I would be opposed to those other moves as well, so that leaves me in the position of opposing the hiking one.Randy Paterson, PhDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00582873372042325191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3886645843874813719.post-73661683493013580582012-12-06T11:34:47.871-08:002012-12-06T11:34:47.871-08:00Hmm, Randy. I absolutely agree with the point you ...Hmm, Randy. I absolutely agree with the point you make about needing education of our outdoor enthusiasts. No doubt. It is not uncommon for an individual to be driven to participate in activity well beyond his/ her skill level in the wilderness. It's adventerous, after all. PLBs, cell phones and improved technology have made the wilderness a seemingly safer and smaller place to people who want to experience it.<br /><br />As a 5 year SAR veteran and therapist, myself, I support the continued use of government resources at no cost to those in TRUE need. However, for the individuals who lack experience, skill and knowledge and find themselves in a dangerous situation requiring rescue, their naive and selfish attitudes put handfulls of volunteers and professionals at risk. <br /><br />What oftentimes goes unnoticed are the individuals who put THEIR lives in danger to rescue those who don't know any better. Volunteers leave their dinner tables, birthday celebrations and other events to help someone "in danger". Deputies are taken off the streets to oversee these operations, leaving less protection and services available in urban areas. <br /><br />What I propose is a "stupid hiker" law. Those who are in need of rescue and are deemed irresponsible are charged for the rescue. Out on a 10 mile hike in Arizona in July with only a liter of water and you need help? You'll be saved...and charged $10,000 afterward. You're a seasoned hiker who twisted his ankle? You've splinted it and are attempting self rescue? We'll come get you, and you won't have to pay a penny. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com