Radio Communications, and Cellular Phones
Many people these days think of taking a two-way radio, or a cellular phone, with them into the mountains, so that they would be able to call for help if needed. There are problems with this, both attitudinal and physical. The attitudinal problem is that you will be way up in the mountains. You can't call 911 and expect any kind of an immediate response. It could take days for a packer to reach you, or many hours for you to be moved to where a helicopter could land. Bear in mind also that you have to know exactly where you are. "Up at the end of a big long lake" is not good enough. Thus unless you know what you are doing, a radio or phone can give you a very false sense of security.
The physical problem is that radio waves used for most hand-held radios and phones travel in essentially straight lines. The waves don't bend much around mountains or ridges, Thus, your radio or phone must have a clear line-of-sight view from you to the receiver. This usually means that you will have to climb up to the top of a ridge or a peak before your radio will contact anyone. If you are in a deep canyon when an accident occurs, it can be several hours before you can even attempt to contact someone via radio. At this writing, portable satellite phones are just becoming available. However, these are bulky, and very expensive, (about $4,000.00 in August 1998), and a satellite must be in view of your phone.
In addition to the above considerations, the batteries in these devices usually slowly discharge even if they are not being used. Consequently, after several days, you cannot guarantee that the battery will be in good enough charge to make contact.
The point is, don't rely on a cellular phone or radio as a substitute for your own learning and preparing to take care of yourself. Be Prepared
Other topics covered in the book:
First aid kit contents; Trail safety.