Comment Re:Though is some places? (Score 1) 447
SAR is not always (or even usually) charged for in Colorado. From the state State Search and Rescue Fund FAQ (http://www.dola.state.co.us/dlg/fa/sar/index.html):
Will I be billed for expenses related to my rescue?
Some municipalities and special taxing districts have billed victims for some expenses related to their rescue. We are unaware of a volunteer search and rescue team who has billed a victim for costs the team has incurred. In all cases, the Colorado Search and Rescue Fund attempts to reimburse on all eligible expenses to prevent billing of victims. The fund is unable to reimburse any salary, overtime or stipend paid to any person permanently employed by a SAR agency or political subdivision of the state. In addition, the fund does not reimburse indirect operating expenses, such as stand-by costs, of vehicles and equipment owned by a local government.
Also, see the Colorado Search and Rescue Board (http://www.coloradosarboard.org/) website for why charging for SAR is a bad idea. Basically, if you charge, people who need help will go out of their way to not be found. The SAR teams end up wasting their time (plus cost increase) and the people that need help end up in worse shape.
Will I be billed for expenses related to my rescue?
Some municipalities and special taxing districts have billed victims for some expenses related to their rescue. We are unaware of a volunteer search and rescue team who has billed a victim for costs the team has incurred. In all cases, the Colorado Search and Rescue Fund attempts to reimburse on all eligible expenses to prevent billing of victims. The fund is unable to reimburse any salary, overtime or stipend paid to any person permanently employed by a SAR agency or political subdivision of the state. In addition, the fund does not reimburse indirect operating expenses, such as stand-by costs, of vehicles and equipment owned by a local government.
Also, see the Colorado Search and Rescue Board (http://www.coloradosarboard.org/) website for why charging for SAR is a bad idea. Basically, if you charge, people who need help will go out of their way to not be found. The SAR teams end up wasting their time (plus cost increase) and the people that need help end up in worse shape.
