Emergency SOS Button Garmin InReach: What You Need to Know

The Emergency SOS button on your Garmin inReach device is a lifesaver in critical situations. It sends a distress signal to emergency responders with your location and other vital information.

To activate the SOS button, press and hold it for at least 3 seconds. This will send a message to your emergency contacts and trigger a search and rescue operation if necessary.

The SOS feature is only available when your device has a satellite connection, so make sure to keep your device charged and in a location with clear skies.

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The SOS button on your Garmin inReach is a lifesaver, but when to use it can be a bit tricky. If you're uncertain about a safe outcome, hit SOS. Waiting too long can make the situation worse and the rescue harder.

You generally won't get in trouble for hitting the SOS button if your request for help is genuine. That said, in some areas, you could be held financially responsible or cited for negligence if you're clearly unprepared or ignoring posted rules. The standard is usually: did you make a reasonable effort to be safe?

It's not just about being rescued. It's about getting the right kind of help at the right time. That flexibility means you don't have to wait until you know what hits the fan. If you're unsure, start the conversation.

Here are some situations where it usually makes sense to hit the SOS button:

You might be tempted to hit SOS when you're tired or sore, but if you know where you are and can hike out, it's probably not necessary.

If you hit the SOS button on your Garmin inReach, a dispatcher will immediately contact local emergency responders with your location, user details, and any available emergency contact info.

Your emergency contacts will also be called to gather information like your itinerary, party size, medical conditions, vehicle description, and more.

After 10 minutes, the inReach sends location updates every 10 minutes to conserve battery. Garmin keeps sending status updates to your device and emergency contacts until the rescue is confirmed or the SOS is canceled.

You won't appear on MapShare again until the SOS is cleared and the incident is closed. If you cancel SOS, Garmin Response loses the ability to message or track your device.

You generally won't get in trouble for hitting the SOS button if your request for help is genuine. However, in some areas, you could be held financially responsible or cited for negligence if you're clearly unprepared or ignoring posted rules.

Here are some situations when it usually makes sense to hit the SOS button:

If you come across someone else in trouble, you can use your inReach to trigger SOS on their behalf, just make it clear in your message that you’re not the one needing help.

The emergency response process with the SOS button on Garmin inReach is designed to be efficient and effective.

After hitting the SOS button, there's a 20-second countdown to prevent accidental sends.

In a real-life situation, it took 62 minutes from pressing the SOS button to the arrival of EMS, with a 3-minute acknowledgment by the IERCC call center, followed by 11 minutes for coordination and request for help, and then another 11 minutes for confirmation of EMS arrival, and finally 37 minutes for EMS to arrive on the scene.

Communication with the call center involved significant delays, with an average of 10 minutes between texts, and exchanges often arrived out of order.

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Response Time is a crucial factor in emergency situations. In the case of inReach, there's a 20-second countdown before sending the first SOS in case it was pressed accidentally.

Delays in emergency response can be significant. According to the author's experience, it took 62 minutes from SOS kick-off to the time EMS arrived on the scene. This timeline breaks down into:

The delays in communication with the IERCC call center were also notable. The author experienced an average of ten minutes between texts, which often arrived out of order.

The Essential Plan is a great option for those who need a basic emergency communication device. It's the most affordable plan, priced at $14.99/month.

One thing to keep in mind is that this plan comes with some limitations on messaging and tracking. You get 50 texts and weather forecasts included, but any additional messages will cost $0.50 each.

You'll also have unlimited SOS messages, which is a huge relief in emergency situations. There's no extra charge for these messages, so you can rely on them when you need help.

If you only need to send the occasional check-in message, this plan might be sufficient. However, if you plan on sending a lot of messages, you'll need to be mindful of the overage fees.

Here's a quick breakdown of the Essential Plan's features:

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a compact device that weighs just 3.5 oz, making it easy to carry with you at all times.

You can recharge the battery, which has a battery life of up to 30 days with varying tracking options.

The device allows for two-way communication, enabling you to send and receive text messages through the Iridium satellite network, even when out of cell service.

With the Garmin Messenger app, you can also send messages from your paired smartphone, and the Mini 2 now incorporates seamless messaging through wifi to continue conversations in the same thread, even from civilization.

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The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a lightweight device that's easily accessible at all times, thanks to its compact design and shoulder strap attachment.

It's priced at $399.99, although you'll need to factor in subscription plans on top of that cost.

Weighing in at just 3.5 oz, this device is incredibly portable and won't weigh you down on long trips.

The battery is rechargeable, which is a huge plus for frequent users.

You can expect up to 30 days of battery life, depending on the tracking options you choose.

Two-way communication is a key feature of the inReach Mini 2, allowing you to send and receive text messages through the Iridium satellite network.

This means you can stay in touch with loved ones even when you're out of cell service.

The Iridium Satellite Network is a crucial component of the inReach Mini 2, allowing you to send and receive text messages even when out of cell service.

The network requires a clear view of the sky to transmit and receive messages and track points. This means you'll need to ensure you have an unobstructed view of the sky to use the device effectively.

The inReach device will attempt to send information until it acquires satellite signals, even if you don't have a clear view of the sky initially. This is a clever feature that ensures you can still communicate in emergency situations.

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You can use your smartphone's contacts to send messages through the Iridium satellite network. Before you start your trip, make sure to add all the necessary contacts to your phone, as instructed in the Phone Instructions.

Each message you send includes your location details, which can be a lifesaver in emergency situations. This feature is a great example of how the inReach Mini 2 prioritizes your safety and well-being.

The inReach device listens for new messages at regular listen intervals, which can be set manually or left on the default setting. This ensures you receive messages as soon as they're sent, even if you're not actively checking your device.

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Most backcountry rescues are free, handled by public agencies, but you could still be billed for medical transport, which can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $60,000 or more.

Even a ground ambulance from the trailhead to the ER can run hundreds to thousands of dollars, and it may or may not be fully covered by your health insurance. Check your insurance coverage before heading out.

If you're worried about cost, it's smart to get rescue coverage, which can save you from massive bills later. A small investment upfront can be a lifesaver.

Here are some solid options for rescue coverage:

Cost can be a major concern when it comes to using an inReach device. Most backcountry rescues are free, handled by public agencies, but the exact response can vary depending on where you are.

You can still get billed for medical transport, even if the rescue itself is free. This can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $60,000 or more, depending on location and provider.

Some states offer protection if you register, like New Hampshire's Hike Safe Card, which can help fund SAR and protect you from being billed unless your actions were knowingly irresponsible.

Purchasing an inReach device itself costs nearly $400, plus a month-to-month upkeep of an active subscription plan. However, for what you receive, including life-saving access to search and rescue teams, reliable weather forecasts, and peace of mind messaging loved ones, it's a worthwhile investment.

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Here are some costs associated with inReach devices:

You should never hesitate to hit the SOS button due to money concerns. In emergencies, time is of the essence, and it's better to be safe than sorry.

Canceling an SOS Rescue can be a lifesaver, especially if you've changed your mind or the situation has resolved itself. If you no longer need assistance, you can cancel an SOS rescue after it's been sent to the emergency response service.

To cancel an SOS rescue, you'll need to follow a few simple steps. Lift the protective cap and hold the SOS button for the cancellation process to begin.

Select Cancel SOS from the menu, and you'll be prompted to confirm your cancellation request. Select Cancel SOS again to confirm.

The inReach device will then transmit the cancellation request to the emergency response service. You'll receive a confirmation message once they've received your request, and your device will return to normal operation.

The SOS button on the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is incredibly easy to access in a real-life emergency situation. It's designed to prevent accidental presses, and you'll need to confirm your SOS activation to ensure help is sent.

Activating the SOS button gets you help fast – Garmin Response contacted me within 30 seconds to confirm my emergency and assure me that help was on the way. They also notified my emergency contacts and tracked my location with hourly check-ins.

You can send and receive text messages through the Iridium satellite network even when out of cell service with the inReach Mini 2. Messages can be sent directly from the device or through the Garmin Messenger app on a paired smartphone.

The inReach Mini device sends and receives text messages using the Iridium satellite network, allowing you to stay in touch with loved ones even in remote areas. You can send messages to an SMS (text) phone number or an email address, and each message includes your location details.

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The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is pretty co-dependent on a smartphone, which can be a bit of a hassle. I found that I primarily used my Mini 2 through the Garmin Messenger app, rarely using the actual device's buttons for messaging or other features.

Using the paired app on your smartphone makes messaging much easier, but it's essential to be aware that the Mini 2's onboard messaging is far from user-friendly. The SOS feature can be activated from both your phone and Mini 2 device, which is a pro against relying solely on a smartphone.

Here are the conditions of use you should be aware of:

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is pretty co-dependent on another screen - a smartphone. The device is primarily used through the Garmin Messenger app, rarely utilizing the actual device's buttons for messaging or other features.

Using the paired app on your smartphone makes messaging much easier, but it's essential to be aware that the Mini 2's onboard messaging is far from user-friendly. It's a bit like a throwback to early 2000s flip phones, requiring endless button presses to type each letter.

The SOS feature is a pro, as it can be activated from both your phone and Mini 2 device, making it a reliable option in case of emergencies.

If you're considering a phone-dependent device like the InReach, it's essential to understand the conditions of use. You'll be responsible for replacing the device if it's lost or damaged beyond repair, which can cost up to $579 in 2020.

You'll also be held accountable for any activation of the InReach, whether intentional or accidental, and take full responsibility for the consequences.

Here are the specific conditions of use to keep in mind:

These conditions can have a significant impact on your overall experience with the device.

The inReach device can send a message to request forecasts.

You're likely to be stuck in one forecasting area for a while, so getting weather forecasts for other locations may not be that useful.

Testing the Device is a crucial step before embarking on a trip. You should test the inReach device outdoors to ensure the satellite subscription is active.

To test the device, navigate to the main menu, select Utilities, and then choose Test Service. Press OK to initiate the test.

Wait while the device sends a test message, and when you receive a confirmation message, the device is ready to use.

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The inReach device can send a message to request forecasts.

You can get weather forecasts for locations other than your current location, but this functionality is unlikely to be of much benefit for trampers because they are unlikely to travel from one forecasting area to another in a short period.

Weather forecasts incur data usage charges for which you are responsible.

You're never too prepared, but sometimes even the best plans go awry. In the mountains, injuries can happen in a split second.

Having a serious injury, like a broken leg, can quickly leave someone immobile, as seen in the case where a friend's foot got caught and they fell on the Wind River High Route.

The author and their friend were 2-plus miles from the nearest trail and over 20 miles from the nearest trailhead, making it impossible to make it out on their own power.

Calling search and rescue can be a challenging decision, especially with the stigma surrounding it in outdoor culture.

We were coming over Raid Pass, the last off-trail pass of the Wind River High Route, when my friend got their foot caught and fell.

It was a serious injury that quickly left them immobile, and we were moving slower and slower.

No progress was made after about 15 minutes, and the pain only worsened.

We were 2-plus miles from the nearest trail and over 20 miles from the nearest trailhead.

I had contacted our emergency contact on my Garmin InReach to let them know what happened earlier.

We stopped and splinted my friend's leg with trekking poles and climbers' tape, but it was impossible to go downhill on talus with the splint.

We decided to call search and rescue by hitting the SOS button on my Garmin, as we wouldn't be able to make it out on our own power.

The call was challenging to make, even though it was obvious we should make it.

The reality is, there is a huge spectrum when it comes to rescue, and non-life-threatening emergencies can become life-threatening with time.

My friend could hardly move, and there was no way we could get out of there without help.

We were prepared, in fact, the SAR team thought we were emergency responders.

We were on the Wind River High Route when my friend got seriously injured, and we had to call for help. We were 2-plus miles from the nearest trail and over 20 miles from the nearest trailhead.

It was a non-life-threatening injury, but it quickly left my friend immobile, and we were moving slower than a 1/4 mile per hour. We had to stop and splint the leg with trekking poles and climbers' tape.

The Garmin InReach SOS feature was a lifesaver in this situation. I had contacted our emergency contact earlier to let them know what happened, but we knew we wouldn't be able to make it out on our own.

The stigma around calling for help in the outdoors can be overwhelming, but the reality is that non-life-threatening emergencies can become life-threatening with time. Issues can compound, and it's better to be safe than sorry.

We were prepared for this situation, and the SAR team thought we were emergency responders. The Garmin dispatch immediately contacted me for basic details of what our issue was, and they also called my phone to see if the emergency was real.

We were able to explain our plan for self-rescue to the SAR team, and they asked us if we could get to a safe spot where a helicopter could land and if we could signal. We said yes.

The rescue process was smooth, and the SAR team relayed details to my emergency contacts set up in my Garmin.