Re: Rescue in Yosemite

If you've been reading eeek's posts about the weather, you may wonder what these hikers were doing up by North Dome in the middle of winter. You have to assume that they knew it was going to be darn cold, really snowy, and very challenging. And yet they went anyway.

And called for help.

Huge kudos for the CHP and rescuers who managed to get down to these two guys, and then get them lifted off the mountain. That is impressive work.

Here's the story as it appeared in the Fresno paper:

https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article224725620.html

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In these situations, how is it determined whether the rescuees get billed?

I attended an SAR seminar a few years ago, and was told the answer depends upon whether medical treatment was rendered. If rescue only, then no bill. If medical treatment needed, then injured person gets bill.

But what if a rescue was conducted in an area that's clearly marked as "Do Not Enter?" Like the Ledge Trail, for instance. And if it involves the use of a helicopter...?

The guidelines are the same regardless of the method of rescue (helicopter or not), but i do not recall if the area of rescue matters.