I am in contact with a Turkish friend.(TA2SLC)We discussed issues related to disaster relief.
He mentioned
"In the February 6th earthquake, all Turkish systems were used in a complementary manner."
When national governments and telecommunications operators encounter such issues, enthusiasts have already been using HF and QO-100 to transmit messages.
Even VHF and UHF repeaters were deployed near the epicenter, and APRS was also a very helpful factor.
Of course, it also has its own problems, such as the frequency band used, the size of the equipment, the antenna, and the cost of the equipment.
However, for him...
"The QO-100 is too boring."
Considering the complexity of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites like LEO, especially in the context of natural disasters.
However, GEO satellites like QO-100 represent a potentially more effective and reliable method than shortwave radio.
My advice is that relying solely on LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites is essentially a self-destructive strategy. If your phone has the star chart for that day, but your antenna only consists of a lever, then…
You can only consider communication on the ISS; otherwise, it would be a waste of power.
However, if you intend to use "seek medical help" as a last resort, the results may even be worse than using shortwave QRP.
If you are truly considering entering a restricted area
HF radio + satellite phone + GPS + Yagi antenna (mounted on the vehicle) + sufficient emergency supplies + power source and vehicle chassis.
In this case, multiple backups are definitely recommended.