What Happens When You Push the SOS Button on an InReach Device?

🔴Pushing the SOS button on an InReach device sends a message for help and triggers a response from Garmin and the search and rescue team.

📲It is essential to keep your emergency contact informed and update them on your situation when using an InReach device.

👕Wearing bright and visible clothing or carrying a reflective signaling device can increase your chances of being spotted by a search and rescue team.

⏰Timestamped messages and delayed communication can affect the response time of the search and rescue team, so ensure clear and timely messaging.

🚁The search and rescue team will be in direct contact with the pilot while locating and extracting you from the backcountry.

What happens after I push the SOS button on an InReach device?

—Pushing the SOS button sends a distress signal to Garmin and the search and rescue team, who will immediately contact your listed emergency contact and coordinate a rescue operation based on your location.

Why is it important to keep my emergency contact informed?

—Keeping your emergency contact updated on your situation helps speed up the communication process with search and rescue teams, ensuring a timely and effective response to your emergency.

What can I do to increase my visibility during an emergency?

—Wearing bright and visible clothing or carrying reflective signaling devices, such as an emergency blanket, can increase your chances of being spotted by search and rescue teams when in distress.

How do timestamped messages and delayed communication affect the response time?

—Timestamped messages and delayed communication can impact the response time of search and rescue teams, so ensure clear and timely messaging to ensure an efficient and prompt rescue operation.

What role does the search and rescue team play in the rescue operation?

—The search and rescue team will be in direct contact with the pilot, who will locate and extract you from the backcountry, ensuring your safe return.

00:24Pushing the SOS button sends a distress signal and generates a response message similar to any other message you send on the device.

01:25Inform your emergency contact about your situation to expedite the communication process between you, Garmin, and the search and rescue team.

02:53Wearing bright, visible clothing and carrying reflective signaling devices can make it easier for search and rescue teams to locate you during an emergency.

04:02Timestamped messages and delayed communication can slow down the response time, so keep your messages clear and timely to ensure an efficient rescue operation.

05:37The search and rescue team works closely with the pilot to locate and extract you from the backcountry, ensuring your safe return.