I'm going on a slight tangent here, but what's the etiquette for splitting up when you're in a hiking group? If you're a mile from the summit and feeling great, should you keep going even if your partner(s) have AMS and want to turn back? Would telling that person(s) to turn around and wait for you at Trail Camp be an appropriate response?
There is no ‘standard etiquette’ when it comes to this sort of situation. This is often something that is agreed upon before hitting the trail. For instance, members of a hiking party may decide beforehand that, unless the situation is REALLY serious, anyone who wishes to turn around will do so on their own. Or perhaps that specific people in a group (like maybe people who have summited multiple times before) will turn around with them. People who hike in groups may also carry various types of two way radios so that they can check up on those people who decide to turn around for various reasons.
Given the lack of cell coverage on Whitney, what would be the best way to call for help?
One thing I have noticed is that more and more people on Whitney are carrying satellite communicators of various types. The Garmin Inreach Mini seems to be particularly popular, and might not be a bad investment if you frequently travel to areas where there is no phone service. Another option is to carry two way radios of some sort as mentioned above. This way, you can contact other members of your party who may be in a location where there is phone service.
