So it sounds to me like the rescue workers didn't have any firemaking kit either. "They tried to keep him warm with blankets and spare clothes" Without more information it's hard to tell, because maybe he was too far gone by that point, but maybe a fire at that point could have been enough to save him. If the emergency workers weren't equipped either... <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

The responsibility lies with the individual I know. Our attitude in the States has become "It could never happen to me" and I used to be just like that. Sometimes I just want to shake my head and sometimes it makes me really angry.

I drive an hour to work, through rural country. My car sits most of the weekend, and I haven't gotten into the habit of checking the gas level before the new week starts. I was late today and got concerned about the fact that I had just over half a tank of gas, and would have just over a quarter of a tank by the time I got home tonight. A few months ago, I wouldn't have thought that way. I would have thought that I had enough gas for two days, easy. It's about the mindset...all about the mindset.

Prepare for the worst and with luck, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Maybe something bad like that will never happen to me. But if it does, I'll sure be glad I took the time and mind to be prepared as best I can.