That's really the only "good" option when one member of a small group gets injured. Everybody heads for the nearest safe haven, be it the trailhead or the nearest road. In larger groups of a half dozen or more, there's the option of splitting of one or two hikers to escort the injured hiker back while the rest of the group continues.

IRT the correct desert garb; long, loose, and lite has always been the rule. My favorite garment was an Oxford cotton dress shirt, two sized too big, with the collar cut off, and vents cut into the underside of the upper sleeves. Temperature regulation was incredible.