My understanding (based on what might well be outdated information) is that the bar is considerably lower in many European jurisdictions with respect to calling for rescue. I saw this vividly years ago when on a mountaineering patrol on Denali. A European climber had basically had enough fun and asked for a helicopter rescue. This was at advance base camp, about 14,000 feet. It developed that he had incurred minor frostbite on his feet.

The NPS protocol for that situation, which we conveyed to him, was, "No problem! Don't thaw out your feet but proceed directly to the airstrip (7,000 below us), fly out and seek treatment." He was pretty disappointed, to say the least.

I believe most European climbers carry rescue insurance, which allows them to summon helos, etc., very easily.

The situation, as described, hardly merits rescue. When the fog rolls in, you stop moving, and maintain 98.6. I am surprised that they could not backtrack, at the very least.

A problem here is that the news accounts are very sketchy and omit, as always, important information. It would be revealing to talk to someone involved in the operation.

I must admit that this German guide seems pretty lame.

Not relevant to the SAR-related aspect, but a coincidental aside. Discussion on Blade Forums last month about the just-released "German Expedition Knife" designed by the guide, Tony Lennartz, here and here.

http://www.anton-lennartz.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20&Itemid=44

Does anyone else smell a publicity stunt?

http://www.youtube.com/user/AntonLennartz#p/u/2/Dd1B-cpDHgs

The German Guide doesn't seem to be having a problem lugging around a full pack in the summer months.

The reality is that year after year people underestimate the wilderness and go into it unprepared and untrained. Each year some of them die and some are hauled out by SAR. Even with training we are human and do make mistakes. That's why improvisation, perseverance, and backup plans are so important.

What it shows me is that our basic Outdoor Education System is either broke or non existent. Basic navigation and survival training seem to be taken for granted and often people that are totally unprepared and undertrained are considered "experienced" because they read a book or watched survivor man.

I think we need to do a lot more to increase the amount of general outdoor education taught in school's, and to youth groups. As well we should also state that without basic outdoor education you are endangering yourself if you travel into the wilderness. Remember that the most common reason that someone does not carry a map and compass is that they do not really know how to use it properly or at all.