April 28, 2006
Mobile misuse causes rescue rise
Misuse of mobile phones is leading to dozens of needless call-outs for rescue teams, reports the BBC .
"Chris Lloyd, from Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue in north Wales estimates 30% of the calls to his team could be avoided.
Mr Lloyd told the BBC News website: "People rely on mobile phones these days. In days gone by, they would sort themselves out. ... Rather than spending a wet night out or using some proper navigation and finding their own way down safely, they just press the button and call us out," he said.
... But Mr Lloyd said mobiles could be "invaluable" in some situations. "They have reduced call-out time and I think they do improve the casualty survival," he said.
Instructions on how to treat injuries are often given by rescue teams over the phone before they reach the patient. "
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