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Messages 1 - 56 of total 56 in this topic |
Caveman
climber
Cumberland Plateau
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Yer gonna Die!
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j-tree
Big Wall climber
Typewriters and Ledges
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WTF did I just read, Oh man, this whole article is worth the quote. What a ridiculous load of crap. And more importantly, this looks like the kind of MAGA cut-out-the-gubmnt-middleman attempt. Drown government in a bathtub then call Redpoint to rescue?:
Redpoint rescues climber from potential hypothermia on a rock face in Yosemite
Posted on November 8, 2017 John Moretti
‘Their speed amazed us’
By Murray “Murf” Clark
I’d like to thank Redpoint Resolutions. My family and I are very grateful for their recent rescue of my son from a situation that could have ended much differently without their skilled, professional efforts.
The day after his 24th birthday, my son—with a 20-year-old climbing partner—attempted to summit Half Dome in Yosemite National Park via the Regular Northwest Face, a famous climbing route up 2000 feet of granite on one of the most recognizable rock formations in the world. They thought they were prepared—with knowledge of the route and the proper equipment. They thought they had enough food and water. They expected to complete the climb in the span of one day from pre-dawn until sunset, though neither had climbed the route before. They assumed a “Big Wall” would simply be a longer version of other climbs they had previously completed. They assumed a correct weather forecast, the worst of which was a chance of light rain. They assumed their descent, down the “easier” cable route (with the cable down for the winter), in the dark, would be well within their capabilities, though neither had been on that 9-mile route before either. They were wrong.
My wife and I awoke in Kansas to read hours-old texts from our stranded climber.
John’s climbing partner on the wall
We asked for an update and eventually received nervous replies reporting his situation and asking for help. The Yosemite National Park Service website urged us to dial 9-1-1, but we quickly realized dialing 9-1-1 in Kansas would not yield help in California. When we did reach Yosemite Search and Rescue (YOSAR) through a dispatch number, we were reassured they would monitor the situation and were already in touch—through cell phone—with our young men on the wall. I spoke directly throughout the day with two YOSAR commanders who were in fact monitoring the situation through a spotting scope from the valley floor. They even called me to offer updates on our climbers’ progress after John and his partner had begun to inch up the wall in mid afternoon. They predicted our climbers would not summit before dark. They had informed the exhausted, cold climbers of a “cave”—a small wedge in the rock—in which they might bivouac a second night. John and his partner had been on the wall for over 36 hours by then.
The temperature forecast for that night—for the valley floor—was 21 degrees Fahrenheit. We knew it would be colder 4000 feet higher. When the human body is exposed to constant moisture at temperatures under 50 degrees, fatal hypothermia is a potential outcome. We knew we couldn’t wait. Through a network of friends, we found Redpoint Resolutions. From our first contact, communication was constant, candid, and clear. We explained the situation. They gave blunt, matter-of-fact advice. Even before we said, “go,” Redpoint was gathering information and the best available resources. Not much later, when we did say “please go,” we learned that the first movements to help were already in motion. Experts were already near—and then in the park—and then quickly moving up Half Dome. Their speed amazed us. Without hesitation, Redpoint added more family members—John’s older sister and her husband in Boston—to a messaging group they had created for us. We shared information both ways, and felt reassured that we had made the right decision to ask Redpoint for help.
First light on the wall
As darkness approached Half Dome and our son’s cell phone went to 0%, his rescuers were in place. They had reached the summit with almost unbelievable speed. He would not spend another night on Half Dome. The Redpoint team lowered two 70-meter ropes—one to ascend and one for extra safety—and belayed John and his partner through thin air and directly up and over the lip of “The Visor” on the edge of Half Dome.
Dry clothes, food, and hot drinks were ready for them at the top. The team guided them down the still-treacherous cable route. His rescuers, with deep knowledge of the park, knew where to find a well-hidden spring for extra water on the trail back to the valley. I had flown and driven from Kansas to arrive at Yosemite Valley. By 3:00 a.m. I was face-to-face with my son and had thanked his humble rescuers.
Redpoint’s services for this sort of emergency are available to its Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance policy holders.
In his radio address on Armed Forces Day in 1982, President Reagan re-asked the question written by James Michener in his novel The Bridges at Toko-Ri, “Where do we find such men?” Our president gave his answer: “Well, we find them where we’ve always found them. They are the product of the freest society man has ever known.” He was referring to the military. I would argue that Redpoint Resolutions is another place to find such men: men with skills, dedication, and professionalism. Men with the strength, courage, and knowledge to do whatever needs to be done. Sheepdogs who protect the flock and take calculated risks to keep us safe from wolves. Three men from Redpoint [plus the vigilant men and women at Redpoint Operations’ command center] removed the possibility of a worst case for my son, but my respect goes beyond gratitude for their actions. I am simply glad to know such men are out there—in the dark and cold if necessary—to answer calls for help.
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines the best medevac and rescue insurance with travel insurance benefits such as trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost baggage, primary medical expense coverages, and more. Ripcord is powered by Redpoint Resolutions, a medical and travel risk security company owned and operated by special operations veterans and physicians.
Redpoint covers almost 10 million people worldwide and has evacuated clients from all seven continents.
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zip
Trad climber
pacific beach, ca
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hunh?
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looks easy from here
climber
Ben Lomond, CA
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Idea-I'm going to get 1 pitch up The Nose, call these guys, then spray about how I Redpointed El Cap.
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Spider Savage
Mountain climber
The shaggy fringe of Los Angeles
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Perfect business plan for the new paradigm of Extreme Tourism.
Which one of us will be the first to set up a company offering Big Wall Glamping?
The rich parents having their kids rescued when they wimp out due to not properyly paying thier dues is a hoot!
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Texplorer
Trad climber
Sacramento
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Wonder how much they paid a few camp 4 dirtbags to hike halfdome and lower two ropes to the trustfunders.
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martygarrison
Trad climber
Washington DC
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The first time I climbed Half Dome we got hammered by an snow storm near the top of the route. I bivied in that "cave" on big sandy. It's really just a slot with a extremely slopping floor. Lousy night.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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We got 3" on Big Sandy and it snowed so heavily the next day you could only see a few yards at times. A good 4" on Thank God made it fun. For a couple of goombahs from the PNW it
was no big deal.
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enjoimx
Trad climber
Yosemite
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I blame the party requesting the rescue. Complete idiots who shouldn't be climbing.
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D Murph
climber
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How do you know the kid's parents didn't just panic? He may not have even wanted a rescue (sounds like they were still trying to climb up instead of bail).
Warren Harding needed rescuing from a storm on Half Dome (a different route and a first ascent admittedly). Was he an idiot that shouldn't be climbing?
I've got no horse in this race, but it seems like y'all are getting a little worked up over what's probably just advertising. I'm very interested in Werner's take.
As an aside, I clicked on the website and filled out the price quote: next Friday through Monday, Medical Evacuation and Rescue insurance in the US for a 24 year old costs.....wait for it.... $115. If you wanted, again just Medical Evacuation and Rescue insurance (no travel insurance) to spend next April in Nepal it would be .... $225. Kind of seems like their website must be broken, no?
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BigB
Trad climber
Red Rock
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my guess is they didn't really need a rescue... hence nps just watching thru a scope and not acting...the rest of the story is.. "I'm scared and don't like this anymore and want to come down mommy"
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NutAgain!
Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
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Men with the strength, courage, and knowledge to do whatever needs to be done.
"Yeah, I'm going to need you to tell your parents that everything is fine and for future adventures, just make sure you add a day or two of padding for when they expect you back."
I guess they didn't have *that* much strength and courage, because it sounds like that is what needed to be done.
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
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wow, what a sh#t show of a write up... Implying YOSAR wasn't on the ball.
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kunlun_shan
Mountain climber
SF, CA
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Re. Murray “Murf” Clark's letter and
“Where do we find such men?” Our president gave his answer: “Well, we find them where we’ve always found them. They are the product of the freest society man has ever known.” He was referring to the military.
the Dad, who called for rescue. is a former Air Force Colonel...
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healyje
Trad climber
Portland, Oregon
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Anyone here on retainer?
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Batrock
Trad climber
Burbank
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 9, 2017 - 05:39pm PT
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I can relate to worried parents. This is a shot of me and a buddy during a early kayak descent of Sespe Creek in Ventura County. Its 35 miles of wilderness class 5 kayaking. We took a little longer than we thought and my dad got worried and decided to fly in to check on us. We were fine but he just had to be sure.
This would not be the last time I had involvement with helicopters and Sespe Creek.
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rwedgee
Ice climber
CA
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When did this allegedly take place ?
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Batrock
Trad climber
Burbank
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 9, 2017 - 05:50pm PT
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No date given in the article.
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tom woods
Gym climber
Bishop, CA
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Lober's on facebook? Tell him to stop by my place next time he's coming through Bishop.
Me and a freind had this idea of an international for profit rescue team years ago.
Then we sobered up.
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justthemaid
climber
Jim Henson's Basement
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Nov 10, 2017 - 06:20am PT
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WTF? Is this for real?
That letter is a completely ridicuous marketing ploy. No parent would write like that. Satire indeed.
From thier website:A Completely integrated program Yeah- with who? the bums in Camp 4?
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clinker
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, California
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Nov 10, 2017 - 06:55am PT
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His rescuers, with deep knowledge of the park, knew where to find a well-hidden spring for extra water on the trail back to the valley.
It appears that a water diviner climbs too. Is this a Werner startup?
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MH2
Boulder climber
Andy Cairns
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Nov 10, 2017 - 11:18am PT
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And we should re-name HD NWF Straight to DVD.
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healyje
Trad climber
Portland, Oregon
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Nov 10, 2017 - 04:45pm PT
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It would seem SAR-minded folk around the world would have to be on retainer or some other contingent contractual arrangement for this to work.
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10b4me
Mountain climber
Retired
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Nov 10, 2017 - 05:16pm PT
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anyway, I keep playing a scene in my mind where there's a climbing team struggling on a pitch so they call for the Redpoint Team. A girl gets heli-lowered to the struggling team and she redpoints the pitch for them. They're all like thanks a bunch, she gets helicoptered out and they
say "hey, where's the top rope?"
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Russ Walling
Social climber
from Poofters Froth, Wyoming
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Nov 10, 2017 - 05:53pm PT
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8k retainer, 4k per incident for responders.
#FakeNews
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yosemite 5.9
climber
santa cruz
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Nov 10, 2017 - 08:48pm PT
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The usual negativity without the facts. It might be considered that at least they were responsible enough to have a rescue team available so that they did not put YOSAR members at risk.
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Batrock
Trad climber
Burbank
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 10, 2017 - 09:06pm PT
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Yosemite 5.9,
Does that mean we should all have our own private rescue team so as not to put YOSAR or any other rescue team at risk?
I have been a fireman for 30 years and never blamed anyone for calling 911 and putting my life at risk, its part of the job.
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tom woods
Gym climber
Bishop, CA
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Nov 10, 2017 - 09:29pm PT
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Yosar members want the work, don't worry about the risk. They can make that choice for themselves.
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10b4me
Mountain climber
Retired
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Nov 10, 2017 - 09:59pm PT
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Nov 10, 2017 - 08:48pm PT
The usual negativity without the facts. It might be considered that at least they were responsible enough to have a rescue team available so that they did not put YOSAR members at risk.
Grasp straws much?
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skywalker1
Trad climber
co
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Nov 10, 2017 - 11:13pm PT
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Biotch I 'll just change my post...
S...
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BLUEBLOCR
Social climber
joshua tree
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Nov 11, 2017 - 04:13pm PT
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🙈🙉🙊
🐒
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yosemite 5.9
climber
santa cruz
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Nov 11, 2017 - 05:31pm PT
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Batrock, You say you are a fireman. I expect that you are paid well and will get a fat pension. Not so for YOSAR volunteers, at least who receive little pay I expect.
10b4me, you offer just the usual negativity.
Tom Woods, are you authorized to speak for YOSAR?
If these inexperienced climbers were getting in over their heads, maybe they at least understood that and were responsible enough to have an out.
I don't know. But neither do you.
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Batrock
Trad climber
Burbank
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 11, 2017 - 05:46pm PT
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Yos5.9,
SAR guys in general want the call. If they don't they shouldn't be on the team. Do it while you enjoy it and get satisfaction from the work and get out when you don't. Pay has zero to do with how willing you are to go.
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10b4me
Mountain climber
Retired
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Nov 11, 2017 - 06:07pm PT
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I don't know.
Correct
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tom woods
Gym climber
Bishop, CA
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Nov 11, 2017 - 07:02pm PT
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This shouldn'tbe something we are arguing about.
Is there really a private for profit company performing rescues in the National Park?
And if so, is it legal? Should it be/not be?
Privatise SAR? Or budget more tax dollars for SAR?
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BruceHildenbrand
Social climber
Mountain View/Boulder
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Nov 11, 2017 - 07:57pm PT
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I think it is worth noting that members of YOSAR have been killed while attempting rescues It is also worth mentioning that friends and loved ones of climbers have asked for rescues when the actual climbers did not want to be rescued.
So, I think if YOSAR decides to monitor a situation rather than just rush up and jump on the rock that should be acceptable. YOSAR has a long history of doing the right thing when it needed to be done. They have earned the right to assess each situation and act in a manner they feel is appropriate.
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looks easy from here
climber
Ben Lomond, CA
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Nov 11, 2017 - 08:04pm PT
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Batrock, You say you are a fireman. I expect that you are paid well and will get a fat pension. Not so for YOSAR volunteers, at least who receive little pay I expect.
I'm not Batrock, but I've been a volunteer firefighter for 14 years on an all volunteer department. You call 911 in my district (or any of the adjacent districts) the guys going in the burning building are doing it for free.
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drF
Trad climber
usa
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Nov 11, 2017 - 08:42pm PT
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Is there really a private for profit company performing rescues in the National Park?
I think this thread is a big troll.
YOSAR is nothing less that THE BEST. That OP rescue "story" stinks
The reason Werner hasn't said anything is b/c he's watching to see how many stupid things the shi*heads here have to say before he lays down some solid wisdom. Thus spinning their tiny tacobrains inwards...boom!
Nobody non-climbers like biotcsh (aka sh*thead) fit this model so well
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Batrock
Trad climber
Burbank
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 11, 2017 - 08:54pm PT
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Anyone who says YOSAR isn't going to respond or hold back and let a private company do their job because they don't get paid enough is delusional. Looks Easy From Here gets it, its not about the money. It's about pride in performing your job to the best of your ability in any situation.
It's true I got paid well as a FF/PM and get a good pension but being payed well doesn't make running into a burning building or cutting a hole in a roof over fire any easier. Since I have been employed I have lost 8 friends in fires, helicopter accidents, explosions and countless more to cancer and suicide due to PTSD. No amount of money could make that pill any easier to swallow. To say otherwise is pure ignorance.
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kaholatingtong
Trad climber
The real McCoy from the inside of my van.
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Nov 12, 2017 - 04:05am PT
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Hahahahah.
Hahahaha. Hahahaha.
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yosemite 5.9
climber
santa cruz
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Nov 12, 2017 - 04:40pm PT
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Camaron, you are negative and rude. I have also known some climbers who worked on YOSAR. Recovering body parts splattered below El Cap and Half Dome was very hard on them, they told me. Don't tell me to be quiet. IF someone made the responsible decision to not further burden YOSAR by a foolish attempt to climb Half Dome, then good for them. Who knows what other priorities YOSAR may have had on that day.
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Majid_S
Mountain climber
Karkoekstan, Former USSR
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Nov 12, 2017 - 05:54pm PT
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SAR version of Black Water
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tom woods
Gym climber
Bishop, CA
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Nov 12, 2017 - 06:27pm PT
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Majid- how are you?
Also, how well does YOSAR blackwater pay? That's the crux of the issue. A YOSAR person might make $200 on a half dome rescue, what does this redpoint insurance thing pay?
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zip
Trad climber
pacific beach, ca
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Nov 16, 2017 - 01:09pm PT
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So,,,,,was this just fake news?
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limpingcrab
Trad climber
the middle of CA
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Nov 16, 2017 - 06:30pm PT
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Wait a second!!!!
Someone tell me where I apply to work for this Redpoint company?
Also, I want a trip report from the two dudes who got rescued. Might be funny.
And I want Werner to reply, unless his current job prevents him from commenting. Or YOSAR is being sued by the dad for reimbursement.
Ok, those are my demands, now get to work.
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gruzzy
Social climber
socal
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Nov 17, 2017 - 04:06pm PT
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At least it wasnt some last minute poorly planned operation by guys who know next to nothing about rescue.
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kunlun_shan
Mountain climber
SF, CA
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Nov 17, 2017 - 04:36pm PT
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Someone tell me where I apply to work for this Redpoint company?
There's a contact form at:
http://redpointresolutions.com/contact/ - See the Careers dropdown.
or
Phone: +1 415 481 0610
Redpoint Resolutions Headquarters*
Address: 1875 South Grant Street, Suite 960,
San Mateo, CA 94402 USA
Email: contact@redpointresolutions.com
*additional offices and operations centers worldwide
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Spider Savage
Mountain climber
The shaggy fringe of Los Angeles
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Aug 28, 2018 - 07:13pm PT
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Jody. TYFP!
$3 million for all NPS rescues last year is pocket change! About the same as a nice cabin inside or on the fringe of one of the better parks.
This is a tribute to whomever is managing SAR.
Says men in their 20's comprise most of the people needing rescues.
IMO: Land manager who were bright would organize land use training to minimize risks, rescues and especially impacts.
The USA could save millions spent on handling emergencies by implementing a training system (self funding) that would result in trained, certified and licensed public land users who contributed to making their land management jobs a whole lot easier. It would also preserve our resources better than ever.
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Majid_S
Mountain climber
Karkoekstan, Former USSR
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Aug 28, 2018 - 10:06pm PT
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One day of US military cost is equivalent to 50 years of SAR operational cost in all US national parks
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10b4me
Social climber
Lida Junction
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Aug 29, 2018 - 07:29am PT
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According to the Salt Lake Tribune article cited by Jody's Fox News article, the increase in SARs--at least in Utah--are attributable to an increase in visitation rates:
I am curious as to how many actually needed to be rescued.
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fear
Ice climber
hartford, ct
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Aug 29, 2018 - 11:05am PT
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One day of US military cost is equivalent to 50 years of SAR operational cost in all US national parks
Probably closer to an hour if you include all of the "off-budget" murdering and assisted murdering.
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Jon Beck
Trad climber
Oceanside
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Aug 29, 2018 - 11:17am PT
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Misleading article. The resources used have to be on hand and paid regardless of whether or not a rescue is needed. PSAR is a great way to reduce rescue hours.
a few million is a bargain considering how much income these parks bring in.
False calls from PLBs is a big problem
https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/2015-4-july-august/feature/danger-life-saving-device
In 2012, concerned by decreasing budgets and an increasing number of calls for help, California, which fields the most search-and-rescue calls of any state, started tracking missions initiated by PLBs and SENDs. From 2013 to 2014, they increased from 53 to 87, and 36 of those 2014 calls were either accidental or nonemergency. Even more alarming are stats from the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, the first recipient of distress calls from PLBs. Although the air force center averages one life saved every 36 hours, 80 percent of its calls are false alarms.
However, it is not just U.S. residents who are guilty of crying wolf. Australia had the world's highest per capita use of rescue beacons as of 2012. That year, only 109 out of 1,700 activations were genuine emergencies.
Beacons have been activated for crazy reasons, tentmate snoring, saw a wolf (it was actualy a coyote), water tastes salty
edit: Defense costs are over one million per minute, so three minutes of defense covers a year of SAR
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NutAgain!
Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
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Aug 29, 2018 - 02:49pm PT
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Probably closer to an hour if you include all of the "off-budget" murdering and assisted murdering.
Cost of that is offset by opium kick-backs, even if prices are dropping with China flooding the market with synthetics.
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