Storm Ciara: Further Idiocy

[ChillDoubt]

...and placing Rescue workers/volunteers in heightened danger through lunacy:


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-51447226

It’s obvious from the statement by Lochaber Rescue Team that they’re fed up of ill-equipped morons endangering all concerned. As I said on the surfer thread, this needs to be made an offence.

[TheDevil]

"I believe they can."

You believe, that during a mountain rescue, that a rescue volunteer will be able to accurately evaluate the hiker ability to mountain climb to a level where he would be able to implement a fine if he thought it wasn't good enough?

What if the hiker appealed, and said actually no my abilities are more than your estimation, the weather just took a turn for the worst and I thought it best to get help rather than risk it?

Would there be an appeal process?

What are the logistics?

[TheDevil]

lol pay money or die. That's the motto I guess.

You know most of these volunteers, volunteer to help people not get all high and mighty when they're actually called to task.

Shameful.

[jackthehat]

Perhaps those more inclined to disregard their own safety could be made to sign a disclaimer?
" I (the undersigned) nor caring what risks I may be undertaking do not wish to be rescued by any sort of agency whatsoever no matter what mishaps may befall me."
It could be lodged as a PDF with the emergency services.....

[sunny-dave]

1. It is February

2. There is an Orange Alert for Wind and Snow

3. Ben Nevis is a mountain where people die in winter weather each year.

What part of “You are an idiot if you set off without specialist experience, clothing/booting and equipment” is so hard to understand?

Even if the Sun is a-shining at 9am, everyone knows that by 10am (let alone during the next 8 hours) there may be 0/20 visibility and horizontal snow ... actually, everyone except perhaps the group rescued yesterday and a certain keyboard warrior on this thread ...

[roslyn251254]

Surely one would check the weather before making such a climb ....the BAD weather was forecast ... it didn't come suddenly
Trainers are not suitable for climbing Ben Nevis!

[TheDevil]

"Even if the Sun is a-shining at 9am, everyone knows that by 10am (let alone during the next 8 hours) there may be 0/20 visibility and horizontal snow ... actually, everyone except perhaps the group rescued yesterday and a certain keyboard warrior on this thread ..."

If you notice on page one I say "Weather can flip on a mountain with the click of fingers."

[TheDevil]

Roslyn, the pony track is fine for trainers.

[drmorgans]

The trouble with some idiots is they don't realise they are idiots. Particularly when their mates are idiots too.

[pastafreak]

TD...have you thought of the actual costs of a mountain rescue?
A bit of googling gave me sums of £5,000 - £15,00 just for the helicopter. And the volunteers who give up their time? It costs them also. Read this...

https://originaloutdoors.co.uk/bushcraft-general/10-things-didnt-know-mountain-rescue/

A donation seems the least that can be considered.

[TheDevil]

Most mountain rescues are dog searches.

Anyhow, why are you putting a price on someones life? That's not the 'done thing'.

[pastafreak]

Read that link...It's very informative.

[bhg481]

Trainers are not suitable for climbing Ben Nevis!

It all depends on the trainers. On holiday I wear trainers which are, effectively, boots with no ankle protection; they are perfectly fine for walking up Ben Nevis. The ascent of Ben Nevis is a long walk on a footpath not a difficult climb.

[TheDevil]

It's informative for people who don't have the first clue about rescue teams, yes.

[pastafreak]

Ok...so I guess you know all that's needed...from the rescuers point of view..

[Nical]

TD, maybe the Mountain Rescue Teams are being ground down by the increasing number of these calls? It was only last month that a call for help came from a walker who said he was injured and had got separated from his companions. A 16-strong team found him 12 hours later - tucked up in a bothy (hut) with his friends. His only injury was a slightly sore tendon. Why on earth this walker didn't phone the Mountain Rescue Team to say he was safe is beyond me. He may not be an 'idiot' by your definition, but he's extremely rude and selfish by mine!

[Zacs-Master]

Storm Dennis is the new storm Ciara. It's coming.

[ichkeria]

I agree with the idea of a donation in the circumstances.
Criminalising “reckless adventurism” or whatever is a nonstarter.

[andy-hughes]

pixie - // They already suggest donations from people they have rescued. I thought this was a suggestion of fines? //

I was not aware of that.

I am OK with donations, fines are not a good idea for reasons already outlines on the thread.

[andy-hughes]

TheDevil - // "I believe they can."

You believe, that during a mountain rescue, that a rescue volunteer will be able to accurately evaluate the hiker ability to mountain climb to a level where he would be able to implement a fine if he thought it wasn't good enough? //

I didn't say that.

My suggestion is - when the rescue is completed, the Team Leader assesses the circumstances, and suggests that maybe the rescued party should be prepared next time, and though they were not prepared, they were rescued, and a donation would be appropriate.

I am now made aware by pix that a donation is requested anyway, so that's my argument completed.

// What if the hiker appealed, and said actually no my abilities are more than your estimation, the weather just took a turn for the worst and I thought it best to get help rather than risk it? //

There is no 'appeal', this is a request for a donation, nothing more, and, as I said, it appears that happens anyway.

// Would there be an appeal process?

What are the logistics? //

You really are overthinking this.

[Barmaid]

I'm not keen on the idea of legislating because it is quite hard to legislate against stupidity. Mind you it's an offence not to wear a seat belt or a motorcycle helmet so I suppose it's already successful in some areas.

I'm not sure this is as easy to enforce though.