Does technology help or hinder backcountry rescue?

In addition to a cellphone and the standard backcountry gear I personally think a GPS or at least a compass should be considered standard equipment when heading out. There’s been more than one occasion where I’ve had to point my self and fellow skiers in the right direction when visibility has gotten low.
I seem to recall there were two incidents with people getting turned around last year, ending up heading south instead of into Silver Basin.