Satellite SOS Guide

When and how to use satellite communicators and emergency beacons in the backcountry.

Common Devices

Garmin inReach (Mini, Explorer, Messenger)

Two-way satellite messaging via the Iridium network. Send and receive texts from anywhere on Earth. Includes SOS with two-way communication to GEOS rescue coordination center. Requires a subscription plan ($11.95-$64.95/month).

SPOT (Gen 4, SPOT X)

One-way (Gen 4) or two-way (SPOT X) satellite messaging via Globalstar network. SOS sends your location to GEOS rescue center. More affordable plans but less global coverage than Iridium.

ACR / Ocean Signal PLBs

Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are one-way emergency-only devices. No subscription required. When activated, they send your location to search and rescue via the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system. No messaging — just an SOS with GPS coordinates.

Apple iPhone 14+ / Satellite SOS

Built-in Emergency SOS via satellite (Globalstar). Walks you through a questionnaire and sends details to emergency services. Free for 2 years with iPhone purchase. One-way emergency only — not for messaging.

Important: iPhone satellite SOS is not as reliable as dedicated devices. It requires a clear view of the sky, can take several minutes to connect, and frequently fails in narrow valleys and heavy tree cover — exactly where you're most likely to need it. Do not rely on an iPhone as your only emergency communication device in the backcountry. Carry a dedicated satellite communicator (Garmin inReach, SPOT, or PLB) as your primary.

When to Activate SOS

Activate SOS When:

•Life-threatening injury or illness that requires professional medical care and you cannot self-evacuate
•Someone is missing and you've exhausted your ability to search
•You are lost or stranded in conditions that threaten survival (exposure, dehydration, no shelter) and cannot self-rescue
•Avalanche burial with a victim you cannot locate or extract

Do NOT Activate SOS For:

•Being tired, cold, or uncomfortable but not in danger
•Minor injuries you can manage and walk out with
•Being behind schedule but not in danger
•Vehicle breakdowns where you can safely wait or walk to a road
•Testing the device (there is a separate test mode)

When in doubt, use the "what if" test: If you do nothing and wait, will the situation get worse or become life-threatening? If yes, activate SOS. Search and rescue would rather respond to a call that turns out less serious than not be called when needed.

How to Activate SOS

1
Get to open sky. Satellite signals need a clear view of the sky. Move away from cliffs, dense tree cover, and narrow valleys if possible. Hold the device above your head if needed.
2
Activate the SOS. Most devices require you to open a cover and press-and-hold the SOS button for 3-5 seconds. The device will confirm activation with lights or vibration. On Garmin inReach, you can also trigger SOS from the paired app.
3
Stay put and keep the device on. Your GPS location is being transmitted. If you have two-way messaging (inReach, SPOT X), respond to messages from the rescue coordination center. They will ask about your situation, injuries, number of people, and what help you need.
4
Provide key information:
- Number of people in your group
- Nature of the emergency (injury type, illness, stranded)
- Patient condition and any first aid given
- Your exact location and terrain description
- Weather conditions at your location
- What help you need (helicopter, ground team, medical)
5
Make yourself visible. If possible, move to an open area. Use bright clothing, a signal mirror, or headlamp to help rescuers find you. If a helicopter is expected, identify a flat landing zone nearby.

Before Every Trip

✓Check your subscription is active. An expired plan means your SOS may not work.
✓Charge the device fully. Satellite communication drains batteries. Carry a backup battery for multi-day trips.
✓Update your emergency contacts in the device or associated app and on your profile. Include someone who knows your plans.
✓Know how to use it. Practice sending a non-emergency check-in message. Know where the SOS button is without looking.
✓Leave a trip plan with someone who is NOT on the trip. Include your route, expected return time, and when to call for help if you don't check in.
✓Keep the device accessible. Don't bury it at the bottom of your pack. Chest pocket, hip belt pocket, or top-of-pack pocket.

What Happens After You Activate SOS

1. Your device transmits your GPS location and SOS signal to a satellite network.

2. The signal is received by a rescue coordination center (GEOS for Garmin/SPOT, COSPAS-SARSAT for PLBs).

3. The coordination center contacts local emergency services — in our area, that's Gunnison County dispatch, who activates Crested Butte Search & Rescue or Western State Mountain Rescue.

4. Depending on your situation and weather, rescue may come by ground team, snowmobile, or helicopter (Flight for Life or National Guard). Response times vary from 1-2 hours to overnight depending on conditions.

5. If you have two-way messaging, the coordination center will stay in contact with you throughout. Keep your device on and respond to messages.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general reference information. Always read your device's manual and understand its capabilities and limitations before relying on it in an emergency.