It is a complicated issue but it is just like life. There are those who use common sense and those who haven't a clue the impact that their actions have on others. I have a lot of firefighters/paramedics patients. One complaint I hear over and over from them is the peson who calls 911 at 4 AM because they have a cold or the flu.When asked how long they have been sick they say since yesterday morning when they could have gone themselves during business hours to a walk-in or doctors office. No they wait until 4 AM and get the big expensive ride to the big expensive ER.
It only takes a few who are irresponsible to ruin it for everyone.
The complicated issue is for those who hike alone.When are you sick enough or hurt enough to call for help?If you are alone and are suffering AMS or have had a head injury are you capable of making that decision clearly?
If you are with a group who makes the decision for someone else to call for help? What criteria makes that decision be absolutely necessary? Is help absolutely necessary or convenient?
