Here are a few questions people have asked us that you may wonder about as well, there are forums to discuss these and professionals whom can better explain. So please research for yourself and enjoy the outdoors. Be` ready for the adventures around every corner.
Q: I am considering a SPOT device, do you have any suggestions?
A: Spot is one of several PLB's (personal locater beacons). In theory PLB's are a good idea however, from our team's standpoint and experiences, they have some drawbacks. Be forewarned: they will not rescue you. There is much more to a rescue than pushing a button. Because the current PLB's on the market do not support detailed communication (we simply receive a message stating a “help” button was pushed at xx coordinates) we are often unable to determine if the emergency is technical, medical, lost, etc, and as a team must carry many pieces of equipment for anything that could have happened. Often resulting in us being less prepared and a bit slower than we prefer as there is only so much gear a rescuer can carry. Many PLB users have been led to believe a helicopter will be sent to get them. That is usually not the case. The devices are encouraging people to take risks they would not normally take, thinking there is a safety net. As these new for-profit companies learn and create procedures for communicating your status, we hope they will reach out to those whom do the physical rescues and promote a healthy working relationship. Statistically we have more rescue missions because of technology; people can call us on cell phones, use PLB's etc. Before many of them would have self rescued or not traveled so far beyond their ability level. Technology will make these devices better in the near future, for now they are a mixed blessing. Always practice good risk management, have proper training, be prepared, and go with someone experienced.
Our rant: From a volunteer’s point of view if a person is willing to spend several hundred dollars and a yearly maintenance fee for the push of a button, shouldn't such persons feel, at the least, a similar obligation towards the people whom take off work and risk their lives to do the actual work? Please support the volunteers in the areas you recreate.
Q: Should I carry Dex for Mt. Whitney?
A: We are not able to directly answer that here. If you feel you need drugs to get through your trip you should consult a good doctor before you go. With or without those types of medical supports, eat healthy, rest when you get tired, listen to what your body is telling you, don't be afraid to turn around if things are not working out for you on this trip, acclimate, don't drive up here from nearly sea level and then climb Whitney in one day - bad idea. Stay properly hydrated; be aware that over hydration has its own problems as well. We have several missions per year when people get acute hyponatremia, basically an electrolyte imbalance. You will lose fluids much faster when you climb mountains thru increased breath, sweat, and urination. Consider using electrolytes in addition to adequate water intake.
Q: What are the most common rescues?
A: Most missions start as an overdue hiker. Most of those come from worried friends and relatives. Fortunately the bulk of those calls are happily resolved with time. We meet them on the trail, as they just took longer than anticipated on their trip. Reasons are many; “Scenery was great”, “Weather was bad”, “Weather was so good I stayed a little longer”, “I am not in as good of shape as I thought”, “The trail was harder than I expected”, “I got lost”, “I lost track of time”, etc. Leave a good itinerary and realistic time table, if your family can tell us all of your plans we can figure in weather, trail conditions, etc, to help understand where you might be.
Please send us your questions and comments so we can all benefit.
