The desire of backcountry travelers to be in constant contact with “the outside world” is by no means a new notion. Slightly more novel is the use of an electronic signaling device.

A quick search on the Internet reveals hundreds of articles and a variety of products (REI's selection of emergency electronics includes personal locator beacons and satellite messengers). So to focus the beam a little bit, I will consider one specific product I have used. This is by no means an endorsement. My goal is to give perspective only.

The SPOT satellite messenger is a compact unit with both emergency and non-emergency signaling options. It is important to note that the SPOT sends a one-way signal, not a two-way communication link with search and rescue (SAR) personnel. The personalized messages that can be programmed into the SPOT are also a nice feature. This feature allows you to indicate your position or ask for assistance without alerting authorities. Operating at 1600 mHz and 0.4 watts, the SPOT will work best with a clear view to the sky.

The unit worked great on a trip I recently took into Yellowstone National Park. It tracked our daily progress accurately, and it was nice to be able to show friends and family where we had been with more than just pictures. Additionally, the emergency function gave one bear-phobic participant a certain peace of mind.

The emergency function is nice, and in some cases critical, but the potential to trigger it unnecessarily is very real. A concern within the search and rescue (SAR) community is that the expectation of timely rescue will promote risk-taking behavior, or seduce the novice into conditions beyond their skill and experience. The concept—called "risk homeostasis"—argues that safety features can influence the risk we are willing to take.

In fact, mobile communication devices are increasingly used to initiate search and rescue operations into the backcountry. In 2005, per the Northwest Mountaineering Journal, 23% of SARs in national parks were initiated by cell or satellite phone. The web page for the SPOT communication device cites multiple rescues that were initiated by that specific device. However, what are not listed are the calls to authorities when rescue was not actually needed.

Non-emergency calls for rescue happen regularly. This year in Fremont County, Wy., our SAR team responded to 3 SPOT call outs—only one of which was a legitimate emergency requiring technical rescue. These calls that cry wolf give electronic signaling devices a bad name and may make it less likely that future responders will expend the resources and take the risks to go investigate these nonspecific alarms.

So what’s to be done?

Be informed! If you are buying an electronic signaling device such as the SPOT, get fully briefed regarding the product's capabilities and shortcomings. Be sure you understand the risk you impart to others when asking for assistance. There is no electronic device on the market that replaces good decision-making.

Get training, such as the classes offered by WMI, that will prepare you to be an asset, not a liability. Whether it is used to cache resupplies, get assistance carrying out your elk or sharing your adventures with others, an electronic signaling device such as the SPOT can be a great addition for the tech-savvy traveler.