BajaNomad - U.S. citizen airlifted from B. Gonzaga to Yuma by U.S. Coast Guard

U.S. citizen airlifted from B. Gonzaga to Yuma by U.S. Coast Guard

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BajaNews - 1-23-2010 at 08:51 PM

http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2010-01-23/local-county-news/wo...

January 23, 2010

(A) Coast Guard crew picked up an ill U.S. citizen in Mexico’s Baja California, said Petty Officer 2nd Class Jetta Disco...

...a member of the Binational Emergency Medical Care Committee notified the Coast Guard that a 67-year-old U.S. citizen was suffering from an undisclosed, potentially life-threatening illness, according to Disco.

He was inland from Bahia de Gonzaga, a bay about 230 miles south of Mexicali in Baja California, Disco said. The man was taken to Yuma Regional Medical Center in Arizona, Disco said.

Hook - 1-23-2010 at 09:02 PM

Airlifted from cruise ship? Near Gonzaga Bay? But he was inland?????

Jetta Disco?????????????

DENNIS - 1-23-2010 at 09:33 PM

Yesterday AM, I saw a US Coastguard helicoptor flying over the beach here. Can't mistake the orange and white. Good to see them down here when needed.

tattuna - 1-23-2010 at 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
Airlifted from cruise ship? Near Gonzaga Bay? But he was inland?????

Jetta Disco?????????????

2 different stories. Read it again.

ckiefer - 1-24-2010 at 10:16 AM

Hook,
Does this help?

A woman with internal bleeding was airlifted from a cruise ship about 55 miles off San Diego, and another Coast Guard crew picked up an ill U.S. citizen in Mexico’s Baja California, said Petty Officer 2nd Class Jetta Disco.
The cruise ship Maasdam radioed the Coast Guard for help shortly before midnight on Friday, and a helicopter crew picked up the 86-year-old woman and brought her to Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, to be treated, Disco said.
About 12 hours earlier, a member of the Binational Emergency Medical Care Committee notified the Coast Guard that a 67-year-old U.S. citizen was suffering from an undisclosed, potentially life-threatening illness, according to Disco.
He was inland from Bahia de Gonzaga, a bay about 230 miles south of Mexicali in Baja California, Disco said. The man was taken to Yuma Regional Medical Center in Arizona, Disco said.
This story was written and edited by City News Service.

Read more: http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2010-01-23/local-county-news/wo...

Hook - 1-24-2010 at 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tattuna

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
Airlifted from cruise ship? Near Gonzaga Bay? But he was inland?????

Jetta Disco?????????????

2 different stories. Read it again.

Maybe I should read it for the FIRST time. I was just going by the synopsis posted.

3464james - 1-24-2010 at 09:57 PM

I am very greatful for the service of the U.S.Coast Guard in dispatching not only a helicopter but a C-130 plane to Gonzaga Bay, when our friend became critically ill. The C-130 was backup to the helicopter in case they couldn't make the rescue. Our friend, who has a lovely home in the "Alfonsina subdivision", was infact airlifted to Yuma Medical center where they initially held little hope for his recovery. Fortunateley, by the grace of God, he was rehydrated and is doing well. His lovely wife had to drive back form Gonzaga to Yuma today by herself. Their plan is to return back to Humboldt County in the next day or so.

For some reason their sat phone was not working and they had to use skyping to communicate. Look forward to seeing them as soon as they arrive home
Jim D.

David K - 1-24-2010 at 09:59 PM

Thanks Jim for the update!

toneart - 1-24-2010 at 10:58 PM

This is a reminder that Binational Emergency Committee is a very worthwhile service. I am registered with them. The name of the woman who runs the service is Celia Diaz. Her phone # is 619-425-5080. She is in Chula Vista, CA and is well connected with all emergency services in Baja.

You should have some form of membership in an emergency air transport evacuation company. I have AAA Plus which includes air evacuation from Baja, but it is a reimbursement insurance. I must cover the initial emergency pick up with my credit card. You must have that at least $25K available in your credit limit to use your cc.

Celia Diaz has all my emergency contact numbers in the U.S. and Baja, my cc # and my AAA Plus policy number and my Medigap insurance policy #. I carry her card with her number, along with my Mexican Auto Insurance Policy on the dashboard when I am traveling. Her phone number is clearly printed. One call to her and she quickly arranges your evacuation. It is expedient and time saving...one call. She operates 24 hours, around the clock.

The cost for registering is $40.00 per year.

Bajahowodd - 1-25-2010 at 01:08 PM

I'm glad to see that the guy who fell ill at his home near Alfonsina's is making a recovery. Perhaps out of ignorance, however, I ask the question as to why it was USCG personnel and equipment that responded? Obviously, the cruise ship evacuation falls under their purview. Maybe I missed it somewhere, but I didn't think international land rescues, especially of civilians, was part of their mission statement. I look forward to being educated on this one.

rts551 - 1-25-2010 at 03:05 PM

Eextra tax dollars at work. Betcha our dehydrated "Nomad" is glad.

tripledigitken - 1-25-2010 at 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
I'm glad to see that the guy who fell ill at his home near Alfonsina's is making a recovery. Perhaps out of ignorance, however, I ask the question as to why it was USCG personnel and equipment that responded? Obviously, the cruise ship evacuation falls under their purview. Maybe I missed it somewhere, but I didn't think international land rescues, especially of civilians, was part of their mission statement. I look forward to being educated on this one.

Why would it matter what their mission statement is? They came to the aid of a US Citizen in trouble, something our Government should do more of, IMO. Too often the case we hear of just the opposite occuring.

Ken

fishbuck - 1-25-2010 at 04:15 PM

Do they charge the insurance (if he had it) to recover the cost of the fuel etc.?

fishbuck - 1-25-2010 at 04:16 PM

How did the poor guy get so dehyrated?

With All Due Respect

Bajahowodd - 1-25-2010 at 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken

Quote:

"Why would it matter what their mission statement is? They came to the aid of a US Citizen in trouble, something our Government should do more of, IMO. Too often the case we hear of just the opposite occurring."

Ken

This just does not seem to me the role of the Coast Guard. In this instance, we are talking about a guy who chose to have a domicile in another country. In all likelihood, he has lived there, either full-time, or part-time for many years. As has been noted in prior posts, there are a number of for profit businesses that provide evacuation services. Many Nomads pay for this protection.

All I can ask is that you consider that idea that every citizen of the USA should somehow feel that, wherever they are in the world, an entity such as the USCG will be at their beck and call whenever they encounter an emergency. It would not seem right to me. Especially considering people, domestically, who are in peril.

[Edited on 1-25-2010 by Bajahowodd]

DENNIS - 1-25-2010 at 04:42 PM

It's just unusual that a US military aircraft is flying into Mexico. It's not a common occurance and the Sovereignty purists will object regardless of the altruism of the mission.

tripledigitken - 1-25-2010 at 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken

Quote:

I'll bet you arn't beating the drum to stop military aircraft, and ships from aiding the people in Haiti.

Would you feel the same way if it was a relative of yours?

By the way most of those evacuation policies use Jet aircraft that need paved airstrips.

Ken

mtgoat666 - 1-25-2010 at 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
I ask the question as to why it was USCG personnel and equipment that responded?

Perhaps the USCG is in business of overseas air evac services for large political donors or friends of friends :?:

Somebody big must have placed the call that mobilized the military. Most of us can't call the USCG and expect anything

Bajahowodd - 1-25-2010 at 04:55 PM

Word!

tripledigitken - 1-25-2010 at 04:59 PM

What are you people talking about? People are rescued every day from emergency occurances be it on water or land.

Mountain climbers, sailors, hikers, tourists off Cruise Ships, etc.

The Binational Emergency Commitee, which Tony spoke of, I am a member of as are many Nomads.

They arrange for emergency transport out of Baja with the help of many agencies including the USCG rountinely.

Ken

Mission Statement...see Search and Rescue..http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1993/OFX.htm

[Edited on 1-26-2010 by tripledigitken]

David K - 1-25-2010 at 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
I ask the question as to why it was USCG personnel and equipment that responded?

Perhaps the USCG is in business of overseas air evac services for large political donors or friends of friends :?:

Somebody big must have placed the call that mobilized the military. Most of us can't call the USCG and expect anything

You are so wrong (again) goat...

Sad how few know or appreciate the American forces and the good that they do... Seen Haiti lately?

The Coast Gaurd has always come to the rescue when asked... My parents weren't aware of that service when I had a severe m/c accident in 1972 south of San Felipe... but if contacted I could have been flown out then, they learned after arriving at the hospital in El Centro.

Bi-national is not 100%, we lost a good friend that could have been saved... so have other methods of getting help. A satallite phone is worth it's weight in gold in an emergency.

Bajahowodd - 1-25-2010 at 05:20 PM

Ken. Amigo. Calm down. The Binational Emergency Committee is a fine organization. They do provide a needed service. We may be discussing apples and oranges here, but my question, from the beginning, had to do with the Coast Guard being involved with land-based rescues.

Bajahowodd - 1-25-2010 at 05:26 PM

DK- It is not the mission of the USCG to come to the assistance of any US citizen when they are in trouble. Once again, I have to ask, Does anyone expect, as a citizen of the USA, that you will be rescued, when in any perilous situation, anywhere in the world, by the USGC, or any other US military branch, just because you are an American? If so, you are out of your mind.!!

tripledigitken - 1-25-2010 at 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Ken. Amigo. Calm down. The Binational Emergency Committee is a fine organization. They do provide a needed service. We may be discussing apples and oranges here, but my question, from the beginning, had to do with the Coast Guard being involved with land-based rescues.

Howard,

They do it every day! Read the mission statement I linked above.

Ken

mtgoat666 - 1-25-2010 at 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
The Coast Gaurd has always come to the rescue when asked...

My parents weren't aware of that service when I had a severe m/c accident in 1972 south of San Felipe... but if contacted I could have been flown out then, they learned after arriving at the hospital in El Centro.

dk: always? where do i go on the USCG website to hear about the medical air taxi service for people vacationing in baja? if the USCG offers air evac to US citizens in Mexico, please tell me why people are buying air evac insurance? how about that nomad who sells air evac ins her on this board? is he/she scamming nomads by peddling air evac ins when USCG offers free evacs? will the coasties fly me home from Brazil too?

David K - 1-25-2010 at 05:31 PM

Hey, I don't make the rules... but as one tax payer, I sure would rather the coast gaurd recue other Americans than anything else... first! I don't think anyone should 'expect' anything... and of course one should be self-sufficiant in Baja.

I believe the Coast Gaurd flew jeans' mom from Gonzaga after she broke her hip...It's about saving lives, howodd.

Brandi - 1-25-2010 at 05:34 PM

I too, have a place in Gonzaga and after reading your post (3464 James) am curious as to who it was....sounds an awful lot like my next door neighbors. Glad to hear he is doing better and sending good thoughts their way.

David K - 1-25-2010 at 05:36 PM

Hi Brandi! Good to see you posting again!!

Bajahowodd - 1-25-2010 at 05:40 PM

It becomes a situation where there are no winners or losers. Ken- I looked at that same page and did not come away with the feeling that they considered themselves to be the international rescue team.

David- If you feel like personalizing this by citing previous rescues, it's not going to work.

So many conservative folks constantly rant about the over-reach of the US government. Except when they have a friend or relative that is the recipient of the service of that same government. You guys have to understand that this stuff costs money! Wonderful that folks survived as a result of the efforts of members of the US armed forces. BUT, if you all don 't wish to be considered hypocrites, then stop complaining about government largesse. You can not have it both ways.

BajaWaverunner - 1-25-2010 at 05:44 PM

I spoke with Joaquin about this a few months ago and he said that USGC evacutions are quite common in Baja. He spoke of several evacuations that occurred from Gonzaga just over the last year or so. The thing that he thought was interesting was that the crew don't appear to be allowed to touch the patient while on the ground in Mexico. They apparently just place the stretcher on the ground and ask the locals to stap them in and load them onto the helicopter. He seemed quite impressed with the USGC response for Americans and joked about how Mexicans are screwed if they have a medical problem down there.

tripledigitken - 1-25-2010 at 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
It becomes a situation where there are no winners or losers. Ken- I looked at that same page and did not come away with the feeling that they considered themselves to be the international rescue team.

David- If you feel like personalizing this by citing previous rescues, it's not going to work.

So many conservative folks constantly rant about the over-reach of the US government. Except when they have a friend or relative that is the recipient of the service of that same government. You guys have to understand that this stuff costs money! Wonderful that folks survived as a result of the efforts of members of the US armed forces. BUT, if you all don 't wish to be considered hypocrites, then stop complaining about government largesse. You can not have it both ways.

This is hilarious, you are now a fiscal conservative.

:lol:

ELINVESTIG8R - 1-25-2010 at 05:49 PM

Oh the F-ing Humanity!!!!!! The Coast Guard came, they saved a life and left. No one came to conquer the country! God help us all with this nitpicking and backbiting BS.

David K - 1-25-2010 at 05:49 PM

You have selective standards or what?

U.S. Coast Gaurd to rescue U.S. citizens... why is that so hard for you to understand or desire? If your family member's life could be saved by an air-lift, would you turn it down?

Like most LIBs you think we should LOWER our standards or quality of life to match poorer countries... You feel guilty for our greatness.

We conservatives believe in the God given freedoms that ALL people should have and become as prosperous as they desire... in all countries. It is greedy governments that keep its people poor... or in our (U.S.) case this year, try to make as many poor as possible to gain more power over us.

oxxo - 1-25-2010 at 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaWaverunner
I spoke with Joaquin about this a few months ago and he said that USGC evacutions are quite common in Baja. He spoke of several evacuations that occurred from Gonzaga just over the last year or so.

So then why purchase private Medi-Vac insurance?

tripledigitken - 1-25-2010 at 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ELINVESTIG8R
Oh the F-ing Humanity!!!!!! The Coast Guard came, they saved a life and left. No one came to conquer the country! God help us all with this nitpicking and backbiting BS.

WORD

mtgoat666 - 1-25-2010 at 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
... or in our (U.S.) case this year, try to make as many poor as possible to gain more power over us.

do you really believe that current govt trys to make you poor to gain power over you????????????????????????????

rts551 - 1-25-2010 at 06:30 PM

selective my arse DK etc. read this carefully. you guys speak double speak. READ "Too often the case we hear of just the opposite occuring." in one breath your complaining about taxes, another not enough suport and then defend all actions of the CG. Get real...

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken

Quote:

fishbuck - 1-25-2010 at 07:13 PM

"... I spent 30 years of service to the Air Force..." Well that explains alot right there! :yes:

Anyway, I hate to interupt the David K bashing but...

Is it necessary to have Med-evac insurance for the Binational lady to have the Coast Guard come and get you? And how far down will the fly?

David K - 1-25-2010 at 07:39 PM

No Fishbuck... she is only offering to assist in making the connections. She is a nice lady, we talked in person on a couple of occaisions (Mexico Ted's events).

Now, back to the bashing! :lol:

(funny how ther idea of freedom of speech is not shared by the one group here... as I was responding to a slam on conservatives for balance... :rolleyes:

)

They Hate Us For Our Freedoms

Bajahowodd - 1-26-2010 at 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Like most LIBs you think we should LOWER our standards or quality of life to match poorer countries... You feel guilty for our greatness.

Same lame reasoning.

I really do wish there was someone on this board who actually had first-hand knowledge of sanctioned Coast Guard activities. regardless of all the hoopla back and forth, I still do not understand how someone falling ill in their own house in a foreign country somehow merits the air response of the USCG.

Stickers - 1-26-2010 at 04:56 PM

Years ago Arnold Senterfitt (founder of Baja Bush Pilots) told me that if I filed a "round robin" flight plan when flying into Baja it would qualify for a U.S. rescue effort if we 'went missing'. Luckily I never found out first hand if our government would be interested in my crashing but there seems to be some slack if a U.S. citizen needs assistance when there is none available otherwise?

I also seem to remember from my sailing days that a U.S. registered vessel would qualify for search/rescue and evacuation if lives were threatened.

That's my best guess --

ELINVESTIG8R - 1-26-2010 at 05:01 PM

Someone in here is going to get a tasering when I have time to make the GIF, which I will place in the Taser Hall of Fame located on the other side of the Baja Nomad vail!

Any guesses as to who it may be?

Natalie Ann - 1-26-2010 at 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Like most LIBs you think we should LOWER our standards or quality of life to match poorer countries... You feel guilty for our greatness.

"One of these days, Alice, POW! right in the kisser."
..............Ralph Kramden

nena

ELINVESTIG8R - 1-26-2010 at 05:03 PM

Maybe two now!

Bajahowodd - 1-26-2010 at 05:07 PM

David- You have my expressed permission to gif me, if you can 'splain the situation. :lol:

ELINVESTIG8R - 1-26-2010 at 05:09 PM

I can't splain it but later tonight bbbbbbbbbbbbzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Bajahowodd - 1-26-2010 at 05:18 PM

:lol:

I'll check back, amigo!

Stickers - 1-26-2010 at 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ELINVESTIG8R
Someone in here is going to get a tasering when I have time to make the GIF, which I will place in the Taser Hall of Fame located on the other side of the Baja Nomad vail!

Any guesses as to who it may be?

Maybe a quick jolt to DK and he might lighten up on all his none Baja nonsense.

toneart - 1-26-2010 at 06:33 PM

Quote:

Any guesses as to who it may be?

Uhhh....DK? :rolleyes:

toneart - 1-26-2010 at 06:56 PM

The TRUTH?
Celia Diaz, of Binational Emergency Committee will do whatever it takes to get you to the U.S. if you are a member, as I am. The Coast Guard was a last resort. There was no other way. But don't take that for granted. They may not be available at another time. It depends on the timing and the circumstance, and AFTER all other options are exhausted. The rescue you all are discussing was in a remote area (no serviceable airstrip) in the middle of a severe storm. She saved a life.

Keep the politics out of it!

Celia's service and function is to coordinate emergency services that you have already set up. She will have all of your emergency information in her files; your insurance, air evacuation membership, relative or person to contact, phone numbers, etc. She then contacts emergency services on the ground in Mexico...first responders to get you to the nearest medical facility and/or city with an air strip that will accomodate the air evac. plane. She will follow through, 24 hours a day.

I saw that someone in this thread said she lost one. Well, I don't know that circumstance, but you can imagine all the things that could go wrong. It is Baja! Nothing can be 100% guaranteed, other than her pledge to do everything possible. That is her expertise and she is well connected to follow through.

ckiefer - 1-26-2010 at 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oxxo

Quote:

So then why purchase private Medi-Vac insurance?

Did we ever get a response to this one? I think it's a very valid point here, one that may have been overlooked?

fishbuck - 1-26-2010 at 07:15 PM

Does anyone know what was wrong with him.

'Fortunateley, by the grace of God, he was rehydrated and is doing well"

He was dying from dehydration? That takes a while. Weeks. Why did he need to be helicoptered out.
Isn't there a clinic in San Filepe? Sounds like he needed a saline IV.
I glad he is okay but it doesn't make sense.

bonanza bucko - 1-26-2010 at 08:10 PM

For Fishbuck et al:
Doug had a blockage in his intestines. He had surgery a few months ago and apparently there was a problem with that. If you have ever had a blockage in your digestive tract you would know that the pain is severe and there is danger of hemorrhage and poisoning as a result.

It would be civil of you to keep your ill considered and ignorant opinion to yourself. Even were you a physician or qualified medical professional you would not have made the comments you did unless you had first hand knowledge of the situation.

Thank God Celia Diaz was involved and thank God double that you were not. You are disgusting.

fishbuck - 1-26-2010 at 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bonanza bucko
For Fishbuck et al:
Doug had a blockage in his intestines. He had surgery a few months ago and apparently there was a problem with that. If you have ever had a blockage in your digestive tract you would know that the pain is severe and there is danger of hemorrhage and poisoning as a result.

It would be civil of you to keep your ill considered and ignorant opinion to yourself. Even were you a physician or qualified medical professional you would not have made the comments you did unless you had first hand knowledge of the situation.

Thank God Celia Diaz was involved and thank God double that you were not. You are disgusting.

Listen dumba$$. It was a question that's all.
That was the only information in the post about his condition.
I said I was glad he was okay.

But honestly now that I know more, the man did not belong in Baja with that condition and he endangered himself and the Coast Guard crew by being there. Unnecessarily.
He should have stayed in the states where he had access to medical care.
THAT is my opinion. And if you don't like it you can go flock yourself.

[Edited on 1-27-2010 by fishbuck]

ELINVESTIG8R - 1-26-2010 at 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Natalie Ann

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Like most LIBs you think we should LOWER our standards or quality of life to match poorer countries... You feel guilty for our greatness.

"One of these days, Alice, POW! right in the kisser."
..............Ralph Kramden

nena

HOWARD NEEDED A TASERING!

ELINVESTIG8R - 1-26-2010 at 09:05 PM

Mexicorn - 1-26-2010 at 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by toneart
The TRUTH?
Celia Diaz, of Binational Emergency Committee will do whatever it takes to get you to the U.S. if you are a member, as I am. The Coast Guard was a last resort. There was no other way. But don't take that for granted. They may not be available at another time. It depends on the timing and the circumstance, and AFTER all other options are exhausted. The rescue you all are discussing was in a remote area (no serviceable airstrip) in the middle of a severe storm. She saved a life.

Keep the politics out of it!

Celia's service and function is to coordinate emergency services that you have already set up. She will have all of your emergency information in her files; your insurance, air evacuation membership, relative or person to contact, phone numbers, etc. She then contacts emergency services on the ground in Mexico...first responders to get you to the nearest medical facility and/or city with an air strip that will accomodate the air evac. plane. She will follow through, 24 hours a day.

I saw that someone in this thread said she lost one. Well, I don't know that circumstance, but you can imagine all the things that could go wrong. It is Baja! Nothing can be 100% guaranteed, other than her pledge to do everything possible. That is her expertise and she is well connected to follow through.

LONG LIVE CELIA DIAZ!!
She helped me get a buddy who died across the border back to the US expedited for burial.
She is numero uno in my book!

David K - 1-26-2010 at 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Stickers

Quote:

Any guesses as to who it may be?

Maybe a quick jolt to DK and he might lighten up on all his none Baja nonsense.

Funny how some of you here here have selective vision! :lol:

This was posted before I mention anything political... It was my responce to this:

"So many conservative folks constantly rant about the over-reach of the US government. "

What's good for the goose.. yadda yadda yadda... :light:

toneart - 1-26-2010 at 10:56 PM

Elinvestig8r/David,

Taze me quickly before I say something inappropriate.

Brandi - 1-27-2010 at 01:11 AM

All of the above and pages before is why I DO NOT post on this board anymore. There was someone out there giving information to those of us who would be in the dark if it wasn't for his post...about our friends, our loved ones, our neighbors, our fellow Baja enthusiasts. Thanks to the "original" post, I was able to ascertain it was my neighbor in Gonzaga and was able to contact them and let them know that there are many of us here north of the border wishing him well. He is retired, and unlike most of us, he is ABLE to spend his time as he pleases, which is most of the time, SOUTH of the border. I agree, not the most fun place to be ill, but hey! More power to him, because he is spending most of his time in the place we only can dream of. Enough of the political bullchit. A life was saved. End of story.

Stickers - 1-27-2010 at 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

We conservatives believe in the God given freedoms that ALL people should have and become as prosperous as they desire... in all countries. It is greedy governments that keep its people poor... or in our (U.S.) case this year, try to make as many poor as possible to gain more power over us.

Taser - please - :lol:

fishbuck - 1-27-2010 at 01:48 AM

Brandi dear, I'm sorry your feelings got hurt.
Your little speech was very pretty... but a bit flawed.

Let's review this a little.
A 67 year old man with a serious life threatening illness decides it's a good idea to go to a remote location in Baja that has limited medical services and almost no emergency services.
Predictably his condition worsens. I doubt it happened instantly. Probably over a couple of days. Still time to drive himself to the local clinic... but no.
Finally his condition deteriorates to the point that a "LifeFlight" ride is necessary.
Good thing he has med evac insurance. But no.
So the US taxpayers have to fly him to safety at about $100,000.
Do you have any idea how expensive it is to fly one of the Coast Guard helicopters?
If your friend had to pay for that cash up front... he'd be dead now.
If he were "able" (healthy and fit) as you say to spend time in baja... he wouldn't have needed a helicopter ride out.
I am glad for him that he is okay... but he used very poor judgement by placing himself in that situation. It was selfish and irresponsible.

[Edited on 1-27-2010 by fishbuck]

ELINVESTIG8R - 1-27-2010 at 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by toneart
Elinvestig8r/David,

Taze me quickly before I say something inappropriate.

Tony I had to get your tasering image from the Taser Hall of Fame over on the other side of the Baja Nomad vail!

Shhhhhh don't say it! :lol:

ELINVESTIG8R - 1-27-2010 at 04:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Stickers

Quote:

Taser - please - :lol:

Stickers It would be hard for me to taser David K. for saying some of the things he says because I am his Conservative Republican friend. I love it when he says the stuff he does in here. I especially like it when what he says gets under the skin of "Some People" in here! It makes me happy to see them get upset at nothing! :lol:

[Edited on 1-27-2010 by ELINVESTIG8R]

I love it when we can all come together!

ELINVESTIG8R - 1-27-2010 at 07:05 AM

David K - 1-27-2010 at 08:28 AM

Lord knows I try (to be friendly to everyone here, and not start a political rant...) but will point out when I am responding to one STARTED by another Nomad, before me... that the 'lefties' here NEVER seem to notice)!!

Again... freedom should be for EVERYONE, not just the ones that think like you! :wow:

Natalie Ann - 1-27-2010 at 08:33 AM

:rolleyes:

nena

David K - 1-27-2010 at 09:30 AM

How about a hug nena

Natalie Ann - 1-27-2010 at 09:31 AM

:rolleyes:

nena

ELINVESTIG8R - 1-27-2010 at 10:12 AM

Note to my friend David K. Never ask for a hug after you taser someone! :lol:

David K - 1-27-2010 at 12:15 PM

Did I taser somebody? I don't even own one... LOL :rolleyes:

wessongroup - 1-27-2010 at 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishbuck
Brandi dear, I'm sorry your feelings got hurt.
Your little speech was very pretty... but a bit flawed.

Let's review this a little.
A 67 year old man with a serious life threatening illness decides it's a good idea to go to a remote location in Baja that has limited medical services and almost no emergency services.
Predictably his condition worsens. I doubt it happened instantly. Probably over a couple of days. Still time to drive himself to the local clinic... but no.
Finally his condition deteriorates to the point that a "LifeFlight" ride is necessary.
Good thing he has med evac insurance. But no.
So the US taxpayers have to fly him to safety at about $100,000.
Do you have any idea how expensive it is to fly one of the Coast Guard helicopters?
If your friend had to pay for that cash up front... he'd be dead now.
If he were "able" (healthy and fit) as you say to spend time in baja... he wouldn't have needed a helicopter ride out.
I am glad for him that he is okay... but he used very poor judgement by placing himself in that situation. It was selfish and irresponsible.

[Edited on 1-27-2010 by fishbuck]

Ditto's

And how about the 9 "expert" bike riders that had to get pulled out too..

3464james - 1-27-2010 at 08:04 PM

I am amazed at how someone can make such assumptions and "assume" facts not in existance inorder to support their own opinioin.
1. My friend had no symptoms indicating that he would become ill, prior to his trip to Gonzaga and had he had symptoms would not have made the trip.
2. His medical issue came on extremely suddenly and he would not have made the trip to the border in a truck, and survived.
3. There was no assumption that the Coasties were going to come get him, or any one else for that matter, that notification was made by someone other than the parties involved.
4. We are all entitled to our opinions about the role of the Coast Guard, however you might take a look at their mission footprint for 2009.

The service was dispersed globally: Caribean training with 11 foreign countries. In June, 2009 the cutter Legare, deployed to central and western Africa serving the Africa comand as well as the 6th Fleet, conducting maritime law enforcement operations and taining exercises with Morocco, Senegal and Sierra Leone. In September the Coast Guard delivered relief supplies and conducted pollution and environmental impact assesments in American Samoa. Six patrol boats and 400 personnel were assigned to the Persian Gulf inorder to protect Iraqui oil platforms and structures.
According to Coast Guard Commander Thad Allen, the Guards first duty is homeland security.
I personally plan on writing a letter of thanks to Admiral Allen for the response to Gonzaga. If the Coasties send our friends a bill, I will chip in.
After all if we can guard Iraqui oil platforms at a cost of millions of dollars, and the threat of lives, thank the lord we can spend a few bucks to help one of our own, 276 miles south of the border.

I understand emphatically why one should not respond to these forums. This has been a lesson for me.
Jim D.

fishbuck - 1-27-2010 at 08:39 PM

Jim, I'm sorry your feelings got hurt...

A person does not become dehydrated to the point of death "extremely suddenly". That takes time.
I'm sure everyone is glad your friend is doing better.
But he had just had a major surgery 2 months prior. And I can only imagine he was quite sick prior to that.
If they had to remove a section of his bowel that is very serious. I imagine he was still wearing a colostomy bag and the risk of infection is very high.
I know about this because a coworker had this condition and almost died. And he was much younger than your friend.
Even after the colostomy bag is no longer needed it takes a long time for the intestine to heal and there is a risk of leakage into the abdominal cavity and this also can be fatal if not treated immediately.
Why would he take a chance like that?

And no I'm not a doctor but I can read.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colostomy

Again I am glad your friend survived and I hope he makes a full recovery.

[Edited on 1-28-2010 by fishbuck]

norte - 1-27-2010 at 08:42 PM

I guess it is time for people to review the USCG mission:

http://www.uscg.mil/top/missions/

rts551 - 1-27-2010 at 08:51 PM

Norte

Lets not bring facts into the picture when we can p___ on rightie and lefties :lol:

fishbuck - 1-27-2010 at 09:29 PM

FY 2000. * A Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin helicopter has an operating cost of $5,173.00 per hour.

That was 10 years ago. My guess would be double that today.

Maximum speed: 160 knots, 184 mph

"276 miles south of the border" x 2 + distance from Yuma to San Diego 171 miles= 723 miles/ 150mph= approx 5 hours of flight time.

Or about $50,000 plus other administrative costs.

So Jim and Doug you owe the Coast Guard about $50,000+

Will that be cash or check...

vgabndo - 1-27-2010 at 09:36 PM

And now, after doing little more than stirring the pot, DK has twenty-one thousand two hundred and fifty-THREE posts.

willardguy - 1-27-2010 at 11:08 PM

hey brandi and jim D. don't be deterred by blowhards masquerading as baja affectionados with nothing better to do than run up their number of posts.
see ya in GB. :spingrin:

fishbuck - 1-28-2010 at 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by willardguy
hey brandi and jim D. don't be deterred by blowhards masquerading as baja affectionados with nothing better to do than run up their number of posts.
see ya in GB. :spingrin:

willardguy, I'm sorry your feelings got hurt... no not really :lol:

I want to try and soften this up a little.
Doug, congratulations on an awesome rescue. I think it's safe to say every one on this board is impressed and happy you are safe.
Well done everyone who was involved.
I learned alot in this thread.

I am very impressed with the Binational lady Olivia.
I am definately going to join her organization.
Next I found out the an AAAPlus membership has Aeromedivac coverage. But your must have $25000 available balance on your credit card.
I have both of those and need to file that with Olivia at Binational.
And I hope I never need it. But if I do I hope they send that beautiful United States Coast Guard Helicopter to fly me to the best hospital there is.

God Bless you Doug and all your people!

toneart - 1-28-2010 at 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishbuck

I am very impressed with the Binational lady Olivia.
I am definately going to join her organization.
Next I found out the an AAAPlus membership has Aeromedivac coverage. But your must have $25000 available balance on your credit card.
I have both of those and need to file that with Olivia at Binational.
And I hope I never need it. But if I do I hope they send that beautiful United States Coast Guard Helicopter to fly me to the best hospital there is.

Fishbuck,
I was the one that informed Olivia about AAA Plus' coverage. It is a reimbursement. Like you said, you will have to have enough credit on your credit card to prepay an airlift or any emergency medical treatment, or buy a membership in a private medical airlift.

The Coast Guard Helicopter is not something you can count on. It is called on as a last resort, in an unusual situation (remote area/middle of a storm) and nothing else can be arranged. Also, Jim was not all that far from the border.

ELINVESTIG8R - 1-28-2010 at 04:47 PM

I am happy he got out safe and sound via the Coast Guard Rescue. Screw the cost! We better damn well take care of each other when one of us in need because of a medical emergency! I have no problem spending my portion of taxes I pay to the federal government on rescues! God Bless America!

David K - 1-28-2010 at 04:52 PM

Yah, I wonder how much fuss we will hear about any coast guard that goes to Haiti... and that is not only not part of the U.S. but it is to help non-U.S. citizens! Complaining that a U.S. citizen was saved by the coast guard, even in Baja... well, is just bizarre!

[typo 'wull' fixed to 'will', bazaar changed to bizarre (wrong word used), mis-spelled guard fixed, thanks BajaGuy]

[Edited on 1-30-2010 by David K]

SPELL CHECK

bajaguy - 1-28-2010 at 05:01 PM

GUARD

GUARD

GUARD..................

not GAURD

mtgoat666 - 1-28-2010 at 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Yah, I wonder how much fuss we wull hear about any coast gaurd that goes to Haiti... and that is not only not part of the U.S. but it is to help non-U.S. citizens! Complaining that a U.S. citizen was saved by the coast gaurd, even in Baja... well, is just bazaar!

nobody is complaining, the nobodies are simply asking who you have to know to get coastie life flight service?

a disaster of the magnitude of haiti is irrelevant but perhaps is par for the course for the bloviator in chief :lol:

TMW - 1-28-2010 at 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishbuck
FY 2000. * A Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin helicopter has an operating cost of $5,173.00 per hour.

That was 10 years ago. My guess would be double that today.

Maximum speed: 160 knots, 184 mph

"276 miles south of the border" x 2 + distance from Yuma to San Diego 171 miles= 723 miles/ 150mph= approx 5 hours of flight time.

Or about $50,000 plus other administrative costs.

So Jim and Doug you owe the Coast Guard about $50,000+

Will that be cash or check...

Military operations including the coast guard operate with a given amount of fuel per month, normally more than they need, and they use it no matter what or they lose it and the following months the allotment is reduced. The personel are on salary not hourly. So whether they pick someone up and haul them to Yuma or just cruise the sky doesn't matter the fuel is used. It's all part of their overall budget. It's like a military plane coming in from a mission if they have fuel left they dump it to make landing weight.

oxxo - 1-28-2010 at 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
GUARD

GUARD

GUARD..................

not GAURD

What about "bazaar" too? :lol:

Bajahowodd - 1-28-2010 at 05:45 PM

There's a quantum difference between a natural disaster killing and maiming hundreds of thousands, not to mention those left homeless, and one person, fallen ill in his home in a foreign land. I'm a tad surprised that the goatster appears to imply a certain agenda that could be considered racist. All said and done, DK, a bazarr is similar to a swapmeet. :fire:

rts551 - 1-28-2010 at 05:47 PM

Dam the cost. Come on you fiscal conservatives. what is good and is not??????? I thought there was too much government. Now there is some that is good?

And David it's "we will" not "wull"

oxxo - 1-28-2010 at 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by toneart
Also, Jim was not all that far from the border.

Tony, just out of curiosity, how far was that location by private auto from the border, say Calexico/Mexicali? I know that it is about 2.5 hours from San Felipe to Calexico and not driving fast.

rts551 - 1-28-2010 at 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TW

Quote:

TW.
yes partly true. and yes they probably chalked this up as training but.... what they do is move money around to make it appear that that there is not enough fuel money, not enough training money, and the swimming pool needs renovation in order to keep the troops fit. Lets not cry poor for the military (including the Coast Guard) as they have had more money than ever over the last ten years.

oxxo - 1-28-2010 at 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TW
Military operations including the coast guard operate with a given amount of fuel per month, normally more than they need, and they use it no matter what or they lose it and the following months the allotment is reduced. The personel are on salary not hourly. So whether they pick someone up and haul them to Yuma or just cruise the sky doesn't matter the fuel is used. It's all part of their overall budget. It's like a military plane coming in from a mission if they have fuel left they dump it to make landing weight.

I used to work for a company that built SAR equipment for the Coast Guard and still does. Although I can't substantiate the specifics of the above quote, the statement is, in essence, true. But it is also true with regards to whatever assistance the Coast Guard is providing in Haiti. Its just all part of the budget.

fishbuck - 1-28-2010 at 06:05 PM

Quote:

The whole story is bazaar. If you thought I was complaining you misunderstood.
I was trying to find out the circumstances of the rescue so I will know what the Coast Guard rescue approval criteria is. You know, incase I or someone I am with needs Aeromedevac.

The only info that was in the 1st part of the thread was that the victim was dehydrated.
That does not happen suddenly.
Do any of you know how you get dehyrated from a blocked intestine?
Vomiting. Lots of vomiting. Days worth of vomiting. Until it becomes bad enough to become fecal vomiting. Then you become dehydrated.
Think about that a little.
I think most people would realize something was wrong way before and gone to the doctor way before a helicopter was necessary. And he had major surgery two months prior. And he's 67 years old.

Anyway, I just called AAA they do not have aeromedevac insurance included in any of their memberships. That's what they told me. So if anyone knows more about it and a contact number please provide it.
So I am going to contact Olivia at Binational and get myself and my son set up for an Aeromedevac membership.
As far as I know it's done by plane although there are some Helicopter services available in San Diego but I don't know wether they will fly to Baja.
So you need to be at a Government approved paved runway. I think I know where most of them are but want to make sure. You may need to be transported there by ambulance. Also your condition needs to be stabilized first. So that may mean a trip to the local clinic first before the airport.
These are all details you need to have worked out before you need them. I f you need a "Lifeflight" out you will most likely be incapable of planning it at that time.
After reading from Binationals homepage I know that the Coast Guard is an absolute last chance resourse.
My guess is that they will come and get you within the range of their helicopter. That's about 400 miles round trip.
So they probably had to stop at San Filepe for fuel to make it to Yuma or back to San Diego.
This is what you should be thinking about when you read these kind of stories.

fishbuck - 1-28-2010 at 06:13 PM

Also, those helicopters sit on the ground on "alert" in San Diego bay at the Coast Gaurd station.
They do fly training missions but only enough to keep their crews proficient and no more.
If they are called on for a rescue that costs extra and money they would not spend otherwise.
The cost quotes were for flying time only.

Debra - 1-28-2010 at 06:49 PM

The person that DK refered to that had the insurance and not assisted was a good friend of many here at Nomad's. The reason that was given, was that it would be dark soon. What angered me was that I just couldn't believe that something couldn't have been done, if needed 50 cars would have lit up the runway in a matter of minutes to get that plane in. We will never know if he could have been saved.

fishbuck - 1-28-2010 at 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Debra
The person that DK refered to that had the insurance and not assisted was a good friend of many here at Nomad's. The reason that was given, was that it would be dark soon. What angered me was that I just couldn't believe that something couldn't have been done, if needed 50 cars would have lit up the runway in a matter of minutes to get that plane in. We will never know if he could have been saved.

What happens if a local Mexican has a heart attack in BOLA? I'm sure it happens.

Debra - 1-28-2010 at 07:30 PM

Good point Fishbuck, I wish I knew.

fishbuck - 1-28-2010 at 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Debra
Good point Fishbuck, I wish I knew.

Thank you for bringing up that the Medevac flights will only land during daylight. And I'm very sorry about the way you found that out.
So a good question would be is there a local clinic that can keep you alive until morning when the Medevac plane can land? If not...

oxxo - 1-28-2010 at 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishbuck

Thank you for bringing up that the Medevac flights will only land during daylight.

A few years ago, my next door neighbor had what they thought was an "emergency" (they later admitted it wasn't life threatening). They had Medi-Vac insurance but the plane would not come after dark to Cabo at either CSL or SJD airports. She hired a private plane to take her husband back to California that night. That's why I don't have Medi-Vac insurance.

Debra - 1-28-2010 at 07:49 PM

There is a clinic with a doctor, (also Abraham is there some of the time) They just aren't prepared to handel this kind of emergency, he was taken to the clinic and was told to get to SQ ASAP!(FYI, SQ is farther, then GN, but, they were told to go to SQ, something to know?) the ambulance came and got him out as soon as they could, but, by the time his wife got there (driving a bit behind) he was gone....he did make it to the hosiptal alive, but, died within minutes. Mrs. told me that everyone in town was wonderful and went above and beyond, the ambulance wouldn't even take money from her. I was there a few months after when they made their usual rounds asking for donations and the Mrs. gave with tears in her eyes telling what they had done for her.

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