There’s an unfortunate trend shaping the adventure world as we know it. As advancements in rescue technology are made, human survival skills are degenerating, and many people are venturing out into the wild letting their fates be decided by gadgets that are meant to augment wilderness skills, not replace them.

Now, for instance, the advent of GPS has overshadowed the necessity of learning basic map and compass skills. So what do you do when your batteries run out? Technology is no substitute for wilderness training.

But navigation and location devices can be useful, as long as the person holding it has good backcountry acumen. Perhaps one of the most useful emergency tools is the simple locator beacon. If one finds himself in a real jam, a rescue can be made at the push of a button. The problem? These gizmos require good self-restraint, which is often lacking these days. As Derek Moore of SPOT says, “users have to take responsibility among themselves and use safety communication products as they are intended to be used.”

But some folks just don’t understand this concept. Take, for example, a recent group of backpackers in the Grand Canyon who sent three alarms from their SPOT beacon; one of which was triggered because ‘the water was a bit too salty for their liking.’ Of course, this is not what an emergency beacon is meant for. “People must realize the emergency 911/SOS button is only to be used in a true emergency that could lead to serious injury or loss of life and as a last resort,” says Moore.  And that’s the rub precisely, people are are calling for help from helicopters and mountain rescue units when they have something as inconsequential as a blister. Backcountry morons, who cry wolf, can actually endanger other people who might run in to trouble. Remember, any given state’s mountain rescue works on a budget and has only so many resources. Imagine if you’re the one who keeps the guy having a heart attack from help, because you’re trying to get a band-aid airlifted in?  

Hey Yeti at UpaDowna I think it’s time to create a category called “Can’t Fix Stupid” on your blog. Thanks for the tip, we feel your pain.

[photo: source]