“If there’s no risk, there’s no adventure.” Those who are drawn to wilderness medicine—and to the places and circumstances where it is practiced—are, by definition, drawn to adventure and its accompanying risks. Whether it is a backpacking trip, an international mountaineering expedition, or a disaster response, risk cannot be avoided (nor would we wish it to be). What needs to be done in these circumstances is to understand, accept, and manage the risks involved. The tools available for managing risk include thorough pre-departure planning, critically evaluating the situation when problems arise, making sound decisions, and having a plan in place for communicating with sources of outside aid, should their assistance be required.”   

 “A belief that one can readily call for help and be rescued should not lead to taking imprudent risks that would be considered unacceptable if the ability to call for help were not present. Anything that is dependent on technology or batteries can fail. Terrain, weather conditions, and distance can all delay or prevent rescuers from reaching an individual or party in distress. When traveling to the wilderness or to other remote locations, each individual must accept responsibility for themselves and for all the possible outcomes of their adventures.”    Wilderness Communications