Article Highlights:

  • Real-Life SOS Rescue Stories: A sailor stranded at sea due to a broken mast, a flash flood traps a driver, a trekker injures her ankle on a hike, abdominal pain disables a trekker in New Zealand, and a broken rudder maroons a man in the ocean – are all rescued thanks to emergency satellite communication devices was used to contact Global Rescue for help.
  • Essential SOS Procedures: It’s critical to understand your device’s SOS features and procedures, and to provide contact information for Global Rescue to ensure timely and effective emergency assistance.
  • Importance of Preparation: Being prepared is essential and knowing how to use satellite communication devices in emergencies can be the difference between life and death during remote adventures.

 

Contacting Global Rescue Through a Satellite Device

You have planned an adventure. Perhaps you’re going to a destination where cell service is unreliable or embarking on a wilderness trip to a remote location. You have a two-way communication device, such as a satellite phone or satellite messaging and tracking device, just in case. But knowing how to use it in an emergency is essential – and could be the difference between life and death.

Global Rescue handles hundreds of emergencies and SOS calls for medical or security help every month. The following are a few highlights from recent emergency events worldwide.

 

Broken Mast at Sea

Global Rescue received an SOS from a user after the mast on his 60-foot catamaran collapsed off the coast of Delaware, USA. Although the user was alone and safe, they requested a tow. Global Rescue alerted the U.S. Coast Guard District 5, which dispatched both a C-130 and a patrol boat, but worsening weather delayed the response. The user later reported further issues but released the broken mast and continued repairs. Ultimately, the U.S. Coast Guard located the user and successfully rescued him.

 

Flash Flood Traps Driver

An SOS satellite device user reported being trapped on the rooftop of their vehicle after it was washed out on the road and became half-submerged in water. Global Rescue alerted The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), and police were dispatched to the location. Shortly after, Global Rescue received confirmation that the individual had been safely rescued and transported to safety.

 

Leg Injury Triggers SOS

A 45-year-old female sent Global Rescue an SOS after reporting a left ankle sprain while hiking the Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand. The injury left her unable to walk. Due to adverse weather conditions, a helicopter rescue was not possible until the next morning. Global Rescue monitored the situation until the individual had been safely rescued and was being transported to a medical facility.

 

Abdominal Pain on a New Zealand Trail

Global Rescue received an SOS distress call from an emergency satellite device user reporting a 29-year-old experiencing severe abdominal pain and nausea while moving while hiking in Haas, New Zealand. The pair was located at an elevation of 2,953 feet/900 meters on the mica mine route, specifically in switchback 19 of the northern ascent. Global Rescue alerted the Rescue Coordination Center of New Zealand (RCCNZ) and coordinated a response for a helicopter rescue.

Rudderless at Sea

Global Rescue  received an SOS from an emergency satellite device user who reported that their boat was experiencing mechanical failure with a broken rudder and was taking on water, though no injuries had been sustained. Global Rescue confirmed the situation and relayed the information to the Marine Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC). The MRCC confirmed the SOS and that resources had been prepared for deployment. After communication with the SOS device user and the MRCC, it was confirmed that the user was in contact with rescuers, including a ship and helicopter, and would be transported to safety. The user was successfully retrieved.

Helicopter Responds to SOS Call

An SOS satellite device user reported an unresponsive 43-year-old male who had collapsed after a bison retrieval while hiking. The patient was being administered CPR at the time of the alert. Global Rescue coordinated with the Garfield County sheriff’s office to dispatch airborne emergency rescue resources to the scene. The SOS device user was safely recovered.

 

[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.