"Modern technology has transformed search-and-rescue operations, particularly through two-way communication capabilities," says Lindsey Stine, a spokesperson for the Inyo County Sheriff's Office, which serves both Mount Whitney and Death Valley National Park, among other outdoor recreation areas.
Still, Stine warns that relying on technology for a foolproof rescue could be a costly mistake.
New built-in phone safety features have already been credited with saving lives. In February 2024, a hiker was rescued from Angeles National Forest by activating her iPhone's SOS feature.
Rescues in Inyo County have remained somewhat stagnant over the past few years, with somewhere between 44 and 48 rescues each year since 2021. But rising visitation and increasing average temperatures - particularly in Southern California - are putting more pressure on search-and-rescue operations.
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