I also agree, GPS'r and cell phone are great to have with you while hiking, backpacking, caching etc., but they should be the last resort for help. Rescues involve a lot of time and manpower and also put other people(rescuers at risk). If people would go out prepared with the essentials; water, food, proper clothing, flashlight, first aid kit, knowledge of the area before hand, maps and leave an itinerary with others as to where they are going and when they plan on getting back, then stick to their plan they will be alot safer and maybe won't need rescueing and will be easier to find if they do need rescueing.
In some areas they are now charging you to be rescued. I have read that the cost can be around $5000 minimum if it is proven that you got in trouble because of not being prepared and basicly being stupid. There have been too many hikers thinking that if they have a cell phone and GPS with them they can get out easily or be rescued easily. You still might spend a long time out in the woods before anyone can get to you. What if the batteries die, or no signals? There have been many calls for help that they didn't need rescueing from. They could have walked out if they had some common sence and been prepared.
Nothing beats being prepared to spend a night out if anything did happen no matter what time of year it is. Most accidents that occure are minor and the hiker could probably get out on their own without the need of rescue.
I do carry both GPS and Cell Phone when hiking, but again they should be used only when absolutely needed, and you can't rely on them to work all the time when needed.
I do have some experience in rescue. I was trained a a Wilderness EMT in New Hampshire and was also taught about wilderness rescue. I can't tell you how many times I have run across hikers without the basics, not being properly dressed, no water with them. If you go out like that your are just asking for trouble. It doesn't matter if you are hiking on Sparta Mt or in the Water Gap or the White Mts. If something happens to you while you are by yourself and you can't travel it can be hours before anyone can get to you after your call for help. Being prepared can make you a lot more comfortable while you wait for that help to arrive.
