Is there a widely accepted medical triage approach or checklist that could aid in evaluating / self-evaluating the should-I-self-rescue-or-call-for-help question?

No. Certainly not one that is widely accepted (AFAIK) - you pretty much have to think for yourself.

There is a pretty good discussion of the subject in Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 7th ed; much of what is discussed in there is applicable to pursuits other than climbing.

I'll take cats over gators any day.

HJ

Me too. A big campfire should keep the cats at bay.

I would probably decide to stay awake all night, maintaining the fire and watching out for the predators. 3 miles shouldn't be a problem without any sleep.

I agree with the several points made above.

STOP goes a long way towards making rescue managable for the searchers (SAR).

A trip plan is essential on every back country trip. Here is my suggestion: http://outdoorquest.biz/TripPlanV2.pdf

I appreciate the thoughtful comments posted above. To move and self rescue can be a very difficult decission.

Once the cell phone call is made or the PLB is activated it is vital that you remain in position. Movement would then make the searchers job harder.

Blake
www.outdoorquest.biz

Basically, don't panic; remaining calm and rational is really the only way you can determine your best course of action. Plan, prepare, practice. Sometimes it is difficult to think clearly when uncertainty seems all around, so rely on a mantra, and keep in mind that in survival, attitude is everything, so have a good one.

I think I will see if one of my buddies is up for some "declared emergency" practice: mutual permission to challenge the other to actually respond to a declared emergency, including injury, while somewhere in the wild.

Of course, this may radically reduce the number of buddies!

Great advice TAB!