Stay or Go?

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Medical Decision‑Making When Help Is Far Away In a wilderness or austere environment, medical emergencies don’t come with clear answers—or fast rescue. One decision often determines whether a situation stabilizes or spirals: Do you stay and wait for help, leave to find help, or attempt to move the patient yourself? This page presents a practical decision framework drawn from wilderness medicine, search and rescue, and preparedness planning—adapted for individuals and small groups operating with limited resources, limited communications, and delayed rescue. The Reality You’re Operating In In remote settings: Outside help may be hours, days, or unavailable Communications may be intermittent or nonexistent Terrain, weather, and darkness add constant risk Fatigue, exposure, and stress degrade decision‑making Preparedness does not eliminate these realities—but it gives you better options when they matter. The Three Choices Every wilderness medical incident eventually forces one of three paths: Stay and wait for help Send someone to get help Move or transport the patient Each option carries risk. The goal is not a perfect choice—it’s the least dangerous choice available. Option 1: Stay and Wait for Help When Staying Is Usually the Best Choice Staying put is often preferred when: The patient has suspected spinal,...