It's obvious that if no rescue will be launched, you're intact and know how to get where you need to be, you should attempt self-rescue. It's equally obvious that if you have a cellphone, a satphone, a PLB, a flaregun, a mirror, a whistle and a red hanky it might be best to treat your shattered legs while signaling for help.

The hard part is thinking things through dispassionately, making decisions based on data and logic rather than emotion. This, to me, is the true value of STOP.

Your body and your mind interact -- if you're running around in circles it influences your mind to higher states of anxiety. If you physically stop, treat any wounds, get around some hot beverage and/or food, the calming effect on your body will have a calming effect on your mind.