The VX-7 or 8R are both fantastic radios IF you are a technical geek. If you can't read the first 50 pages of the manual, buy a high end scanner. The VX will have limited range of reception for what you are wanting to do.

If you want to transmit, list the ten friends that can receive you and ask them about their transceivers.

I have an ICOM-R8500 Scanner running 24/7 with a roof mounted Discone antenna. While mobile, it is truck or Yahama Rhino mounted. I carry a frequency counter in case I see someone on a radio very close. I turn it on and it locks up on the strongest signal in the area. That combinations is excellent for emergencies you are involved in.