Thread: Stupid Tourist Rescued....

In my job (which isn't designated as Rescue or Road Service) I stop and assist several motorists a week on WA roads and tracks. Where ever I may find them. Some of them are the naive and tragically dumb backpackers and "Grey Nomads" who in the course of there little adventures or misadventures have come into some sort of strife. They breakdown, they get bogged, they have accidents, they have medical emergencies, They run out of food, water or both. One thing or another that needs a bit of assistance or someone to just pull up and say " are you ok?" or "do you need some help?" That's all it takes. I've assisted with MVA's and bike accidents. Mothers in distress with sick children. The list goes on. But at end of the day all it took was for someone to stop for a couple of seconds and ask " are you ok?"
I don't receive any reward whatsoever but the knowledge that I have done the right thing. Oh, but i forgot to mention that I have met some really wonderful people, sometimes strange, naive, or forgetful people but altogether they're people that need a bit of hand.
Now will that be cash or card? Not on my watch.

Cheers
Rob

Originally Posted by Slunnie

Wow, humanity has been lost to business. What a sad day.

I hope you don't charge friends for a snatch when 4WDing.

If they drive a 'cruiser, yes

Gotta say, the tone of the first post is pretty mean spirited. The tourist was not stupid, he was naive. If he had been educated, as *everyone* who is Australian by birth surely must be, to carry all life's necessities before leaving the side of the road, and he chose not to, then yes, he might be called stupid.

No, these are stupid tourists:
Concerns raised over tourist-drivers - National - NZ Herald News

Tourist lights campfire next to threatened penguin colony - National - NZ Herald News

Having rescued lost bushwalkers myself, its just something you are glad to be in a position to do, recompense is the farthest thing from your mind.

Does the RFDS charge for services ??

RFDS - For Travellers

I cant find anything on this, I wanted to become a member or pay a subscription for service but nothing , My Defence Health cover pays for road Ambulance , but the premium says nothing about covering RFDS

About 1/4 of the RFDS callouts are for "city travellers in trouble on their outback rescue"

I know they have fundraising and accept donations, but whats the main fund source if its not subscriptions.

.... Strangy ???


.

Most of the funding for the RFDS comes from the government, but in my opinion it really isn't enough for what they do.

I don't believe the hiker should be charged. Sometimes people's ambition is greater than their abilities, it can happen to any of us. It would be in 'good faith' if he made a donation of some kind to a relevant charity or something but I don't think he should be obliged to.

I grew up in Winton and I can assure you that plenty of local bushies who should have known better got themselves lost or in deep poo in the bush, not just tourists.

The majority of services provided by 'the emergency services' are free. Plenty of stupid actions result in calls to Fire brigade etc, without people even leaving home, I suppose we should be charging for that as well.

"Oh my god - the chips"


Martyn

ok, so most of you believe that people shouldnt have to consider personal responsibilities to safety and as Cobber says its ok to have your ambitions mixed up with your capabilities and so just go ahead and do whatever you like because theres a search and rescue program out there that will come looking for you. Do any of you have any idea how complex a search and rescue mission becomes for pilots, aircrew, groundcrew, police, SES, ground search co-ordinators and necessary back up organisations? Every person involved has to be fed, clothed, rested, interviewed. Every mode of transport has to have necessary rescue and survival equipment on board and has to be constantly monitored , refuelled/serviced. The logistics of a "small" operation looking for one person are enormous. So most of you think I'm inhumane. I'm only inhumane if I suggest not searching for them. I havent said that, but I believe if a persons rescue is enacted because of their stupidity and it can be proven then they should be liable for meeting costs.