There was an article over the weekend in the Raleigh newspaper about "wilderness" use of cellular phones. It seems that a large number of outdoor enthusiasts venture out ill-prepared and then request that the park service come and help them. Others request directions or don't know where they are (can't read a map). The best one was a guy who requested helo evacuation because he didn't believe that he could hike out in time to make it to his connection for an out-of-town meeting.<br>The point of my writing is that if your plan is to go out in the wilds, you need to be prepared for the worst case. In Bill's case, in traveling with a child with a chronic illness (asthma) adequate preparation must be undertaken to treat the illness. I have only once seen an asthmatic whose asthma attack could not be broken by aggressive medical treatment, treatment that could conceivably be provided in the field. HOWEVER, the one case that did not respond died. People still die of asthma. Something to think about.<br>Finally, if I were to go on a trip such as you propose, I would rent a satellite phone and assemble a substantial medical kit with your doctor's assistance (peak flow meter, nebulizer, compressed gas to power the nebulizer, bronchodilator solution, oral, inhaled, and injectable steroids, antibiotics, etc.). These supplies plus written (?plastic laminated) protocols on treatment of asthma based on peak flow readings should keep you from requiring emergency assistance. Keep in mind that emergency evacuation may not be available (aircraft busy, down for maintenance, weather, etc.) or that you may not be able to reach them for any number of reasons related to electronic equipment.<br>No plan is foolproof.<br>A locator beacon on 121.5/243.0 would be picked up and acted on within 24-48 hours by the Russian COSPAS satellite. The newer EPRIB's actually will mate with a GPS and show your position and serial number and can be rented as well through some marine outfitters. I don't know about the use of those transmitters on inland waters. Canoes are vessels, same as any other!!<br>Have fun, sorry this is so long and rambling.<br><br>Jeffery S. Anderson, M.D.<br><br>