[Man50D]

SAR groups should also train in real conditions that simulate actual events. Isn't this what they are doing?

You are missing several obvious points. My comment referred only to the climbers. Ignoring that fact, the rescuers train specifically for conditions on Mt. Hood. No two mountains are the same. A qualified trained rescuer for Mt. Hood does not necessarily qualify that person for Mt. Everest especially considering the latter is approximately 18,000 feet higher than the former!

About 90% of all searchers/rescuers in a United States SAR incident are volunteers which get paid NOTHING. There is very little cost carried by the government in this type of incident.

No where in my comment was I referring to the financial aspect of the rescue operation because it is irrelevant. I would have specifically referred to the cost if that was my intention.

Do you realize how much money mountain climbing brings into the local economy? I am very sure the money brought into the economy far outweighs what is spent on SAR efforts.

Are you stating it is worth risking lives to rescue people who knowingly and willingly put themselves and others in dangerous conditions?

It is hard to imagine anyone justifying it was worth sacrificing a loved one to bring in more money for the local economy who died trying to rescue someone who wanted to experience a dangerous situation just for thrill.

[killjoy]

Are you stating it is worth risking lives to rescue people who knowingly and willingly put themselves and others in dangerous conditions?

First off I do not know the individuals involved, and I don't think you do either, so saying they willingly put themselves in a dangerous situation shouldn't be part of this conversation.

You seam to be saying that some lives are less worthy of saving than others. BS. I do SAR work for a living. So do most of my friends. You might feel it is your job to place judgment on others for their actions, I don't. My job is to pull them out, not to play God.