Article Highlights:

  • Real-Life SOS Rescue Stories: A motorcyclist injured after hitting a kangaroo in Australia, a hiker suffers a head injury in Canadian backcountry and a skier in a remote area of Colorado who was unable to ski out after a serious leg injury – all are rescued thanks to emergency satellite communication devices was used to contact Global Rescue for help.
  • Critical SOS Actions: Know how to use your device’s SOS function and make sure Global Rescue has your contact details — helping to ensure fast, effective help during an emergency.
  • Preparation Is Key: Understanding how to operate satellite communication devices in an emergency can be lifesaving during remote activities.

You’re heading out on an adventure, maybe to a place with spotty cell coverage or deep into the wilderness. You’ve brought a satellite phone or messaging device for peace of mind. But having the right gear is only part of the equation. Knowing how to use it in an emergency can be critical, even lifesaving.

Global Rescue responds to hundreds of SOS alerts each month for medical and security emergencies. Here are a few recent examples from missions around the world.

 

Kangaroo Motorcycle Collision in Australia

A 59-year-old member from Australia suffered serious head and neck injuries after colliding with a kangaroo while riding a motorcycle near Ouyen, Victoria. His brother sent an SOS via his satellite communications device. Global Rescue coordinated with first responders, who confirmed a complex rescue mission was underway.

 

Head Injury in Remote British Columbia

A Canadian member sustained a serious head injury during a group trek near Duncan, British Columbia. He was reportedly having trouble breathing but showed no visible bleeding. A companion started CPR while another contacted 911 without exact coordinates. A fellow hiker sent an SOS notification using a satellite communications device and relayed GPS details to the Global Rescue, who coordinated with local emergency responders to launch a rescue and transferred the member to a medical team.

 

Ski Injury in the Colorado Rockies

A US member injured her knee — possibly an ACL tear — while skiing at 12,625 feet/3,846 meters in Colorado. Her husband activated their satellite communications device and sent an SOS alert reporting her condition to Global Rescue. Local search and rescue teams were dispatched and reached the injured member shortly after, transporting her safely off the mountain.

 

Stroke in the Australian Outback

An Australian member experienced stroke symptoms while in a remote area. A companion sent an SOS alert to Global Rescue using their satellite communications device. Global Rescue contacted first responders, who dispatched an ambulance. Emergency medical support arrived and began treatment and transport of the member.

 

A man wearing a blue jacket and maroon technical pants uses his satellite phone in the high mountains.
A satellite phone is a critical tool for wilderness communication in event of emergencies.

Teens Injured After ATV Crash

A Canadian teenage member was injured following an ATV accident near Falkland, British Columbia. She was found 15 feet off the road with possible leg fractures. Another girl involved in the crash had signs of a possible concussion. A companion sent an SOS alert using a satellite communications device to Global Rescue, who coordinated with first responders to dispatch a search and rescue team to the location.

 

Flooded Road Rescue in the US

A US member activated his SOS satellite device after becoming stranded in his vehicle near Fair Grove, Missouri. Rising floodwaters had submerged the roadway, rendering his vehicle inoperable. Although uninjured, the member reported that he could not exit the car safely. Global Rescue confirmed his position and coordinated with local emergency responders, who arrived and confirmed the member had been safely rescued.

 

Fractured Leg in Yukon

A Canadian member was reported to have sustained a potential broken leg while hiking in Burwash Landing, Yukon. A SOS satellite communications device user sent an SOS to Global Rescue who relayed the coordinates to first responders. A helicopter was dispatched, and the injured member was transferred to a medical center via ambulance after an airborne rescue.

 

Lost in an Australian Forest

An Australian member got lost hiking the Great North Walk near The Basin Campground in Olney State Forest, New South Wales. Although he was not injured, he sent an SOS satellite alert to Global Rescue using his satellite communications device and confirmed he was alone and lost. Global Rescue contacted first responders who managed the member’s safe return.

 

Knee Injury in Alberta

A Canadian member activated his SOS satellite communications device following a motorcycle accident that resulted in a severe knee injury. He remained conscious and coherent, with no visible bleeding or head trauma. Emergency services were notified and confirmed they would dispatch an ambulance. A short time later, the member reported that paramedics had arrived and he was being transferred to a hospital.

 

[Related Reading: How To Send an SOS: Two-way Communication Success]

 

How To Send an SOS to Global Rescue

SOS device users should review the instructions regarding their device’s SOS features and procedures. Understand who receives the SOS message signal when it’s sent and what services the SOS monitoring provider offers. Contacting Global Rescue directly at +1 (617) 459-4200 or through a messaging device at ops@globalrescue.com or operations@globalrescue.com is the most straightforward way of obtaining service.