Kingfisher wrote on Mar 18^th, 2012 at 2:37pm:

There is anecdotal evidence from rescue personnal that outdoor people are generally engaging in more risky behavior because of the spread of rescue communication devices.

From my former career in the US Forest Service, I learned that while behavior may not be made riskier with this technology, (I have no data on this), there is an increased EXPECTATION that if you're hurt, you can get on your sat phone and request a plane or chopter to get you out of the BWCA.  This expectation borders on the insane: a sprained ankle, a severe sunburn, poison ivy, a broken finger, etc, have all been reasons cited for requesting to be airlifted!  The Forest Service has had to work hard to lower this expectation caused by increased communication technology.  They try to point out the BWCA is a wilderness, and they won't airlift except for extreme emergencies.  Despite their efforts, I see this trend only increasing. 

prouboy