Perhaps it is worthwhile to mention that the offenders in the most egregious case, the Grand Canyon case, were indeed cited, and, more than likely, will pay a significant fine. The NPS has the ability to do this, and it is standard practice for similar cases, and has been doing so for many years. I doubt that the NPS is unique in this regard.

Some of the cases cited in the original article are marginal calls - there isn't enough information provided to know for certain (how unusual!). Marginal callouts have been around since Noah floated his ark. About one-third of the callouts I participated in were "unnecessay" in retrospect, in that the situation would have come to a satisfactory conclusion without SAR intervention. The individuals were typically overdue, hungry, and tired, but moving along steadily.

Another approach, and one compatible with ETS and its objectives, is user education. Wouldn't it be useful if every unit had a little hangtag with a brief summary of preparedness principles and a discussion of when NOT to use the gadget?

Our unit walked both sides of the street, responding aggressively to situations, but also mounting public education campaigns and demonstrations. I know of several situations where the education paid off. This is unglamorous side of SAR, because it doesn't generate headlines, but it does save time, lives, and money.