Group of men rescued from Scarfell Pike

[MrsSkylerWhite]

Up to their waists in snow, apparently.
What sort of idiot decides to go on a hike when there’s an amber warning, meaning risk to life, in place?

If you want to kill yourselves, go ahead. Don’t expect to be rescued though when you inevitably get into trouble, putting other people’s lives at risk.

Life is complex, there are reasons people don’t always make the best decisions and I’m glad that we help people regardless. It makes us civilised.

Well of course. The MRTs and RNLI are truly wonderful organisations.

But surely these volunteers deserve for people to take at least basic responsibility for checking conditions, finding out what clothing and equipment is sensible rather than just blithely heading out.

At least the hikers are doing something that is usually health promoting.

It's a slippery slope. Do we help people who get injured cycling, horse riding, climbing up ladders without appropriate safety, smoking, drinking, driving? These are all choices people make.

Mountain climbing during a weather warning is not a mistake,! It's a sheer stupid choice.

Of course they put themselves in danger.

So are many other things we help people with.

Let them do as they please, and fully accept the risks. Not expect others to risk their lives rescuing the foolhardy.

Putting their own life at risk,?Such as?

Do you risk your life to help people?

Smoking, drinking too much, climbing up ladders and falling off due to not taking proper precautions, falling off roofs, swimming in dangerous places ...

@PreferMyAnimals

Try to distinguish between ordinary mishaps that require assistance, and those that put the responders and providers at mortal risk. Jesus Christ.

Of course these are choices. But they don't usually involve another human putting their life at risk.

No but I did look at joining search and rescue as a volunteer as I'm experienced. However, I can't meet their criteria for independent snow camping experience, and I aren't prepared to get it, so not an option for me. I would be happy to volunteer if it was called for in suitable situations though.

My friend’s daughter fell off a ladder and broke her neck.
I can’t imagine someone telling her, “well, that was a stupid choice so we’re gonna leave you there to suffer and die like the fool you are.”
But I suppose there are people in this world who would do just that.

Smoking...who else's life is at risk apart from the smoker? Same with drinking .
Climbing up a ladder, now you are being completely ridiculous 😂

I think a lot of people think it’s just a bit of snow but there is a big knock on effect too on the roads etc, it’s not just heading into the mountains that’s the problem. The depths of Cumbria is not a place you want to get stranded unprepared when the snow really comes down, many roads get closed etc. People head over passes they shouldn’t and then get stuck on snow or ice, causing an obstruction and need rescuing from their vehicles.

Quite often in severe snow the mountain rescue teams are already busy assisting the ambulance service too to reach patients in remote places where the ambulance is unable to reach.

It’s just selfish really.

That's a fair contrast but PTSD among first responders is a real thing, so even if their life isn't at risk, their health can be.

Exactly. Which is why we help people even if they take risks we deem silly.

The point is that all those things cost the taxpayer money, which is the other side of the discussion. Even if you only put your own life at risk, others have to fund the consequences. Maybe they shouldn't by your reckoning?

Absolutely. I mean, I absolutely admire the volunteers (I know someone who trains dogs for mountain rescue), but they don’t only rescue the deserving, experienced, well-equipped mountaineers who run into trouble, they also rescue the idiots who decide to climb Scafell Pike in flip flops.

Just like the lifeboats rescue hardworking fishing boats with engine trouble AND some dope who decided to give paddle boarding a go in an area with dangerous tides, after dark. And, in the case of a crew I know, a boat dropping off drugs that got into trouble.

Experienced mountineee wouldn't go out in an orange warning. Literally the point

How many people put their own lives on the line to save hers?

At least the hikers are doing something that is usually health promoting.

It's a slippery slope.

Unintentionally appropriate choice of words.. Walking on slippery slopes is generally known to be a bloody stupid idea liable for many trips to A&E and then being out of action with the injury.

LOL yes, well spotted. Hadn't noticed that.

You can avoid heart disease without putting your own or other people's lives in danger. A brisk walk or a session in the gym will give you the same health benefits, even if it dosen't get you much attention on Instagram.

Living in north Wales we've mountain rescue friends and RNLI. The vast majority of rescues are of idiots.

We've towed people in who got into trouble offshore with no radio, lifejackets, etc. the lack of planning around weather, tides is just jaw dropping.