What is the primary limitation of cell phones in search and rescue operations?

The primary limitation of cell phones in search and rescue operations lies in their often limited value in critical situations. While modern smartphones come equipped with various applications and features that can be beneficial in emergencies, such as GPS and emergency contacts, they can sometimes be rendered ineffective under certain conditions. For example, cell signals can be weak or unavailable in remote locations, heavily wooded areas, or mountain ranges, which means that even if a person can call for help or use their phone's GPS, they may not be able to connect to cellular networks or transmit accurate location data.

Additionally, reliance on cell phones might lead to a false sense of security for those in need of rescue. If individuals are not equipped with alternate means of communication or navigation, their chances of being found can diminish significantly if their phones do not function as expected during critical moments. In contrast, other choices such as battery life, construction fragility, or range do contribute to the functionality of a phone, but the overarching limitation concerns their overall reliability and effectiveness in the unpredictable environments typical of search and rescue scenarios.