With the availability of cheap emergency locator beacons, rescue authorities in some areas are becoming taxed with non-emergency calls for rescue. These devices are a "panic button" - they signal for help via satellite but have no two-way transmission.
Authorities have responded to "emergencies" consisting of: water tasting salty, being wet and cold, frightened by a thunderstorm, and accidental triggering. These involve helicopter response and highly trained staff.
One group triggered their devices three times in three days. At the third rescue attempt, the rescuers required the hikers to enter the helicopters and be airlifted out. One rescue coordinator even refers to the devices as "Yuppie 911".
