Garmin has supported more than 10,000 ‘SOS incidents’ thanks to its inReach device, which allows for two-way text messaging, location tracking, and critical SOS emergency response services.
The top five activities that resulted in an SOS call were hiking/backpacking, driving, motorcycling, climbing/mountaineering and boating.
Driving incidents accounted for 12 per cent of the SOS triggers, with many of those using their inReach device when outside of mobile phone service.
Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales said: “With Garmin inReach’s two-way communication and 24/7 staffed coordination center, help is never out of reach.
“We are honored to provide this potentially life-saving service and gratified to be the satellite communication device of choice for adventurers all over the world.
“Whether on the drive home from a trip or exploring the globe, having an inReach device nearby provides peace of mind that you can quickly connect with emergency coordinators, as well as friends and family.”
WHAT IS IT? Garmin inReach users can quickly report an SOS should an emergency occur. Once an SOS is reported, even if no other action is taken by the user, the device sends a distress message to Garmin Response, a 24/7-staffed professional emergency response coordination center. Garmin Response will communicate with the individual in distress, their listed emergency contacts, and applicable Search & Rescue organizations and other available local resources. They will deliver a confirmation when help is on the way, provide updates on the status of the response effort, and will remain engaged until the incident is resolved.
Sarah Kramlich, Garmin senior director of services and subscription strategy said: “After initiating an SOS, Garmin Response will ask questions to learn more about the incident and what appropriate first responses are needed for rescue, whether a tow-truck or helicopter.
“We are both proud and humbled to have assisted in 10,000 incidents, but this number is only part of the larger inReach story of providing peace of mind to all inReach users.
“The two-way communication with all inReach devices has helped countless people self-rescue in low-risk situations, where a friend or family assisting may be more appropriate than an emergency response team.”
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