Western backcountry hikers armed with GPS technology are increasingly using the devices to report such non-emergencies like “water tasted salty,” prompting search and rescue officials to call personal locator beacons “Yuppie 911,” as the incidents of their misuse grows. Via AP.
Ed Harris on Tue, 27th Oct 2009 10:19 AM
This kind of stuff is fueling debate among public officials who would bill those being rescued for the cost of the public safety response.
http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/2009/05/billing-search-and-rescue-missions-yes-or-no
The National Association for Search & Rescue opposes billing the rescued for emergency services rendered.
http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/2009/05/billing-search-and-rescue-missions-yes-or-no