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Yuppie 911
Here’s an alarming trend: Pack a personal locator beacon, head out on an adventure you’re ill-prepared for, then press the panic button when you think you need a rescue.
Foxnews.com reported on the phenomenon in a recent article. Read it here.
Just last month, two men and their sons attempted a difficult hike in the Grand Canyon. When they couldn’t find water, they called for help, mobilizing rescue helicopters that flew into the steep canyon to save them. By the time they arrived, though, the hikers had already found water and sent their would-be rescuers home. The next night, they buzzed again, when the water they found tasted salty.
It happens with enough regularity that emergency responders have a name for it — Yuppie 911.
Ridiculous. Rescuers risk their lives trying to help people with legitimate problems. They’ve got enough to deal with without worrying about people whose problems aren’t serious — or people who have undertaken adventures they never should have.
In this case, technology has made people feel safe — too safe.
What do you think?
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Comments
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By CO2creator
October 29, 2009 11:14 AM | Link to this
No stats, no data to assess, just another “crisis” of the day. How hard is it to charge for false alarms like 911?
Can we go back to discussing bike lanes and banning all autos from Austin streets so can be safe cyclists?