IC,
I will be interested to hear what MP says happened when he gets back about this?
When SPOT testimonials say the 911 response was relatively fast, that leaves a lot of room for things to go wrong.
You send 911 message, the find your GPS location and then what? In the BWCA/Q could they tell a float plane could land or do you need a chopper or water extraction?
Does the 911 message tell them the nature of your emergency? Big difference from breaking a leg to having a heart attack/stroke where time means life or death.

More I read about the SPOT type devices, the more I think they're more for the loved ones peace of mind than the person they're worried about?

Since you have to be able/conscious to send message with any of these items, I'm thinking IF I ever want something, I'd go the rental SAT phone route. :-/