Ken added that many rescues are along the rim, such as lightning strikes or falls. We are not required to put our own lives in danger if the situation is too hazardous to respond. Today many reports come from satellite phones or cell phones. He added that most of the calls come from the Bright Angel and Kaibab trails. Rarely do we hear from anyone on the backcountry trails because those hikers are more prepared for the Canyon.
Rescues are expensive.
Today people may have to pay the helicopter and ambulance charges for their rescue. Bil showed a video and told about a particularly involved rescue. They stopped at Grandview, looked over the edge, and on a whim decided to hike down the trail. This was on July 5, 1996. All they had to drink was a bottle of Gatorade.