Survivor Credits ETS with PLB Rescue

From: "Carl J. Skalak. Jr"
To: dritter@equipped.org
Date: 11/20/2003

Doug, I just wanted to let you know that my rescue last week (10/14/03) from the Adirondack wilderness was a direct result of the existence of your web site, Equipped To Survive and the valuable information you make available.

A month ago I didn't know what a PLB was. Your story about the recently approved 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacons, the link to the NOAA registration page and your candid reviews gave me the information I needed to make the decision to purchase one for my solo canoe trip into a remote section of the Adirondack State Park. When I became stranded by the severe blizzard conditions and the suddenly frozen river I used the PLB to call for assistance. I can't say enough about the SAR folks who came after me, but thanks in part to your efforts too, my heirs will have to wait a bit longer for their inheritances. Keep up the good work.

Cordially,

Carl J. Skalak, Jr.

Mr.Ritter
It is stories like these if not just this one that has made all of your hard work so valid and worthwhile.I as well as others can not thank you enough for the service you have given and provide.

Folks typically equate lifesaving with extreme acts of heroism and courage. Your efforts in providing knowledge and advise to people to avoid placing themselves in danger and how to prepare and react when such situations are unavoidable, while not as obvious to the casual observer, may actually have a more far reaching impact than single acts of heroism. It’s very nice that Carl took the time to acknowledge your role in his safe recovery. I know that you have spent thousands of hours testing and evaluating equipment and techniques. And that again in creating and maintaining the ETS website. The results or benefits to all of that effort could be virtually invisible to you if successful. After all, how many non-survival situations arise because folks are now informed on how to avoid them? So kudos to you (and Chris K.) for saving countless lives.

P.S. I would guess that the use of the PLB is also more safe for the SAR crews as they are not scouring the air, land and sea searching for the lost “needle in a haystack.” A quick in and out rescue has to be beneficial to all. I would imagine that even the occasional false alarm is greatly offset by the reduction of time and effort associated with a PLB rescue. Not to mention the greater likelihood of a successful resue!

Very well put Willie.

Thanks Doug.

Doug,

Congratulations on a job well done. This would seem to disprove the old adage that you never see the accident that you've prevented. May I suggest that you pull out a SAK and put the corkscrew to its intended use and enjoy a nice cool drink. Great job.

Comanche7

I think the best thing to say is Good Job Doug! Just one life saved im sure makes the whole site worth every penny put into it and every minute you and all those who have helpe put into it.

UPDATE December 5, 2003: Two weeks later Skalak went back, alone, to retrieve his equipment left there when he was rescued. Officials were apparently less than pleased when he again set off his PLB on December 2. He was again rescued by helicopter, but this time in much more severe weather conditions. It was later determined that Skalak should have been able to make it out on his own and officials believe he had exaggerated his predicament. He was arrested, charged with making a false report and posted $10,000.00 bail. Skalak is scheduled for a court appearance in the town of Webb, New York, on January 20, 2004. More detailswhen I have them.

...about the boy who cried wolf. Perhaps Mr. Skalak can reread it in the prison library.

One author of a Wilderness Survival book told the story of how his father, an experienced outdoorsman, participated in a Search and Rescue of a "city slicker" tourist who had managed to get himself lost in the woods in British Columbia one year. The following year, the same tourist returned to the area and - yep - managed to get lost again. When he was rescued the second time, the author's father marched straight up to him, looked him in the eye, and said "Mister, even a cat ain't stupid enough to sit on the same stove twice." <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

1. Even if found guilty, he is unlikely to receive a prison sentence.

2. Until proven otherwise, he is presumed innocent.

Perhaps he truely needed rescue the second time. That is what the SAR folks work for - rescuing folks who need rescue - even if they are repeat customers.

One thing for certain, this individual clearly doesn't have the sense to approach wilderness travel with the proper level of respect and preparation.

Oh good god. Some people....

He deserves to spend some time in quiet contemplation of what I consider stupidity.

I'm no outdoorsman by any means, but even I bloody well know you don't go alone!

Was Skalak's case ever resolved?

(can't wait to see Doug's shot show report)

Not to date, that I know of.