05/11/2026
When someone calls for help, we don't question why. To them it is an emergency. It might not be an emergency to someone else, but at that moment it IS an emergency. We respond. So That Others May Live.
A few days ago, I shared a rescue story on the Pacific Crest Trail page. It was meant to highlight what happens when a hiker has the right tool at the right time—when something goes wrong and help is needed.
Instead, it turned into something else entirely.
It turned into a circus.
Before some people even paused to understand what actually happened—before asking who this hiker was, what her situation was, or why she needed help—the comments started rolling in. Certain voices were quick to judge. Quick to dismiss. Quick to attack.
“This generation doesn’t know what they’re doing.”
“They all need someone to save them.”
“These hikers today need their mommies to hold their hands.”
“They should be able to self-rescue.”
“She didn’t need to hit SOS.”
“We’re just handing these devices out like candy now.”
But here’s the part that’s hard to ignore: this was a hiker who couldn’t even stand on her leg.
And still, people went after her.
This is exactly the kind of response that creates hesitation when it matters most. When someone is hurt, scared, and alone on a trail, the last thing that should be in the back of their mind is, “What will people say about me if I call for help?” Because hesitation in those moments can make things worse. Much worse.
Earlier this year, I spoke about this—about how social media reactions like this can be dangerous. And seeing it unfold again, in real time, was incredibly disappointing.
There’s also this ongoing narrative that devices like the Garmin inReach are being “misused” or “handed out like candy.” Let’s be clear—that couldn’t be further from the truth. These devices cost hundreds of dollars, and every single one is placed with intention. They are given to save lives.
And they do.
In fact, I recently reached out directly to Garmin to ask this exact question—are these devices being misused?
Their answer: absolutely not.
They shared that they are not seeing misuse, whether it’s hikers or everyday users. These devices are used for emergencies of all kinds—on the trail, on the road, or anywhere someone finds themselves needing help. That’s exactly what they are designed for.
I’ve also spoken directly with Search and Rescue.
And their perspective is just as clear.
They would much rather receive a call early—when someone is injured, unsure, or has only been lost a short time—than be called in later when the situation has become critical.
Because the reality is, waiting too long is what turns situations deadly.
Search and Rescue doesn’t want to recover bodies. They want to rescue people.
Some say, “I’ve been hiking 50 years and never needed one.” That’s fine. Truly. But that experience doesn’t make someone else’s emergency less real. It doesn’t make an injury disappear. It doesn’t mean help shouldn’t be called when it’s needed.
The reality is simple: anyone can get hurt. Anyone can take a wrong step, a wrong turn, or find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Experience helps—but it doesn’t make you immune.
Not every hiker starts with decades of knowledge. Every single one begins the same way—by putting one foot in front of the other. They learn as they go. They grow. And yes, sometimes they need help.
And that’s okay.
What’s not okay is attacking someone for surviving.
What’s not okay is turning a rescue into a platform for judgment instead of learning.
On this page, we will not tolerate that.
Constructive conversations? Absolutely. Talking about what happened, what can be learned, and how others can stay safe—that’s valuable. That’s how a community grows stronger.
But attacking hikers—whether they’re new, experienced, or anything in between—will not be allowed. Period.
We are here for the hikers. We are here to support them, to protect them, and when needed, to help bring them home.
And I will always stand by that.
— Cathy
