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Old 02-09-2014, 08:46 AM
 
2 posts, read 2,266 times
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I have read in the Alaska papers how the spot locator beacon has been used to save a life when someone gets in trouble out in the bush. I would assume that the rescue costs would then be charged to the user? Is that correct?
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Old 02-09-2014, 10:16 AM
 
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Can't answer your question directly. Maybe someone here can give you the run down on what parts of your "rescue" will need to be reimbursed.

IMHO, if I were going out somewhere where a "spot" beacon was a good idea to have, I would want medevac insurance anyways. It doesn't cost a whole lot comparative to the cost of if you need it and have to pay for it. It is quite possible that if you need it just once, it will pay for a lifetime of dues. IIRC, Juneau was trying to get all residents to get medevac insurance and was trying to implement a program that the city would subsidize lower income residents so they could get it.

Health insurance would be a big 'if' or a 'maybe'. I wouldn't want to count on it paying for it without knowing ahead of time if it covered it.
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Old 02-09-2014, 11:47 AM
 
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i guess the helicopter rescue would be my question. I would think that it would be a cost to someone.
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Old 02-09-2014, 12:33 PM
 
Location: Wasilla, AK
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Years ago when I lived in Afognak the Coast Guard was threating to start charging for rescues after a string incidents where people got in a bad spot because they were being stupid. I remember there being a lot of backlash. The fear was people would hesitate to call for a rescue if it was going to cost.
I know in Anchorage there was the same debate after people who had hike half way up Flattop got tired and called for a "rescue" to get back down.

So as I understand it, if the Troopers, Air National Guard or Coast Guard come get you, there's no charge. But I might be wrong....
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Old 02-09-2014, 01:02 PM
 
Location: Bethel, Alaska
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The emergency button on the Spot gps helps!

NTSB Releases Preliminary Report on Fatal McGrath Crash - KTUU.com
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Old 02-09-2014, 01:23 PM
 
Location: The end of the road Alaska
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Wrangell, like most communities, has an excellent volunteer search & rescue squad widely supported by the town. There are donations, auctions, an annual game dinner and other fundraisers for equipment, training and such. These volunteers are amazing and never give up. I'm always grateful to have them for friends & neighbors. There is never a charge to the person in need. Same with the coast guard, there is no charge for rescue, however, I imagine they have the discretion to re-coup expenses for stupids or intentional false alarms.
As for medi-vac. It can cost up to 45 grand from here to emergency care in Seattle. Even a broken bone in Wrangell means at least a flight to Ketchikan. Definitely worth the insurance - and being careful!
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Old 02-09-2014, 07:58 PM
 
Location: Anchorage Suburbanites and part time Willowbillies
1,708 posts, read 1,861,253 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by uncletom1 View Post
I have read in the Alaska papers how the spot locator beacon has been used to save a life when someone gets in trouble out in the bush. I would assume that the rescue costs would then be charged to the user? Is that correct?
Nope. Not for life or limb.

Recovery of gear, snowmachines, etc maybe depending which agency or S&R group.

Yes for medevac if done by non government service.
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