SummitPost.org

what happens when i call 911 in the mountains?

Do I get redirected to a local SAR team?
Who determines if I need to be extracted or if I'm just tired?
Who pays for the services, and how much is it?

I'm asking because I spend time in the mountains but realized I've never thought past the decision to make the 911/SPOT call. Info I hope I never need but I figure it's good to know, and I assume people on SP would have the answers.

Once your location is determined, the call is redirected to the appropriate SAR, for example Mono or Inyo County Sheriffs SAR for most Sierra east side locations, or the Park Service if inside Yosemite or SEKI. The SAR team will make the call as to whether immediate action is warranted, whether it can (or must) wait until morning, or whether to encourage the caller towards self-rescue. There is currently no cost to the rescued unless there is blatant fraud in which case you *could* be sued to recover costs. Costs are generally borne by the agency performing the rescue. All of them accept donations which you might consider whether you are in need of their services or not - the public service they perform is invaluable.

jareds,
This may not be directly related to your inquiry, but the article topic and reader comments are interesting, so here goes:
fyi-accident-and-rescue-insurance-article-at-wildsnow-t65322.html
Part Two at WildSnow.com
Accident and Rescue Insurance – Part 2
http://www.wildsnow.com/10256/accident- ... ps-tricks/

Please forgive if you've seen this before.
Be well,
JM