SPOT Personal Messenger

[Billy Griffin]

Okay, so am I the only dummy who's actually purchased one of these things, or anyone else out there try it?

http://www.findmespot.com/Home.aspx

In all actuality, I suppose it may be of some use if ever needed. Especially due to the fact that I hike, camp, etc. up in remote areas of the Pacific NW, sometimes far out of range of cell signal, and have a medical condition. Hopefully, it's something I never need other than to just send an "okay message," but you never know.

I have no idea how this item might be practical to the chasing hobby, but I wound up getting the thing for $50 sale price, so the gadget-junkie in me just had to have it.

 

[Chris Rice]

Actually I have looked at them, and I think they're a great idea. I even keep the number to the air medic "LifeNet" programmed in my phone, and they have a line you can call in case of emergency and they will come to you, don't wait for the fire dept or ambulance to toss around if it is needed or not that can waste 15 to 30 minutes with your life in the balance. If able to do so, and you think you need'em call'em. There are some very remote spots especially in the high plains where cell phones don't work, and if you were to break down on a back road, it could be awhile before someone comes along, especially if it was an emergency and you needed medical attention fast. I think SPOT is a great idea, and contemplated getting one myself.

Something else to think about while out chasing remote areas. A majority of our nations firefighters are volunteer, and sometimes not readily available to come rescue you from an accident. You're lucky to catch 1 or 2 at home or 1 coming home from a job that pays the bills. Even when they get to the station, they grab run down hand me down equipment that sometimes barely runs, just to make that trip that will take another 5-25 minutes to reach you. Kinda scary when you think about it. Adequate medical training is totally up to the volunteer, and sometimes has to be obtained at the firefighters expense.

If you live in a rural area. I invite you to go and speak with your local fire dept, and see what challenges they face. You would be shocked at how most stations even are able to operate from year to year. Especially with rising cost of fuel. I know when 4th quarter comes. Our station starts talking about what to fix, and what can wait until next year, because the budget is getting close to being empty. Hats off to all my brothers and sisters doing it for FREE, and loving it!

Not to drag this on and on, but another good idea is to get a brush guard for the front of your vehicle, if a deer runs out in front of you, it might be the difference between walking or driving home. I've had 2 friends that hit deer, and they said it wasn't the deer so much, but when the air bag went off they couldn't see where they're going at hwy speed and totalled their vehicles.

Chris Rice
Plattsburg Volunteer Fire Protection District / Storm Chaser