Good question;<br>Let me add my two cents worth.<br><br>I am currently a medical responder for a rural ambulance service in "corn field county" Illinois, and I have seen delayed response even in areas that you would think had virtually immediate response by rescue/medical personnel.<br><br>In your case "asthma" you have a valid concern since with breathing problems you need to have response within three - four minutes, in the worst case scenario.<br><br>My suggestions would be.<br>Talk to your physician about your travel plans, he/she may be able to prescribe medications that you could administer yourself to assist while rescue personnel is enroute. (note also check laws on bringing medications into other countries)<br><br>Investigate modes of rescue/travel and types of medical assistance in the area you are traveling to (which you are doing). Never assume that a call to 911 is like what you see on television. I have seen 25-30 minute response/ transport times just 10 miles away from a hospital. In remote areas hours and maybe days could pass before help arrives.<br><br>As far as communications, don't rely on cell phones 100% you may consider ham radio but this may extend response times as well as confuse the issue since the messages may have to go through several people before it gets to rescue.<br><br>If you have a guide, ask him/her these questions, not all guides have been trained in wilderness medicine nor do they take suitable emergency communications with them.<br><br>I don't know if this helps but I understand your concern.<br><br>Ted Fisher EMT I/D<br>Vermilion County Search and Rescue<br><br><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by tfisher on 08/08/01 11:47 AM (server time).</EM></FONT></P>