More than half of international travelers have used a satellite communication device, most often for off-grid travel, according to the Global Rescue Traveler Safety and Sentiment Survey.

Travelers exploring remote or off-grid destinations know that cell coverage can vanish quickly when venturing beyond the usual paths. A satellite communication device becomes the essential backup for sending an SOS alert when emergencies strike. From wilderness treks to river expeditions, these devices serve as a lifeline to trigger search and rescue operations and medical emergency response. According to the survey, nearly half of travelers own a satellite phone or messaging device, with renting and borrowing also common.

Global Rescue receives hundreds of SOS alerts each month from travelers facing serious challenges. When an SOS is triggered, Global Rescue on-staff operations response teams connect with local authorities, coordinate emergency rescue missions and remain in contact until the individual is safe.

The following issue of Mission Briefs – SOS In Action shows how a single signal from a satellite device can activate lifesaving support across the world.

 

Article Highlights:

  • SOS alerts triggered emergency rescues in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and the United States.
  • Members used satellite communication devices to report injuries from rafting accidents, mountain falls and ATV crashes.
  • Rescue operations included helicopter deployments, police coordination and maritime authority responses.
  • Medical emergency response ensured injured members were stabilized, transported and delivered to hospitals for care.

 

Head Trauma in Rum Jungle, Australia

A 56-year-old member from Mount Martha, Australia, activated her emergency satellite communications device after sustaining a head injury from a fall in Rum Jungle, Northern Territory. An SOS alert was relayed to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, which began planning an emergency rescue. Global Rescue operations monitored the situation and coordinated with authorities to ensure a medical emergency response was in place.

 

Mountain Rescue in Norrbotten, Sweden

A Swedish climber activated their emergency satellite communications device while in Norrbotten County. Two-way communication could not be established, but Global Rescue escalated the SOS to the Sweden Joint Rescue Coordination Center. A police helicopter was dispatched and successfully rescued two individuals, including the SOS sender, who were then transported to a hospital.

 

Rafting Accident in Alaska

A US rafting guide sent an SOS alert using an emergency satellite communications device while on a trip in Alaska after the raft capsized, separating three people. The SOS alert was received, and Global Rescue contacted local authorities. The Alaska State Troopers and the 11th Alaska Rescue Coordination Center managed the rescue operation. All three individuals were recovered and transported to a hospital for evaluation and care.

 

ATV Crash in Princeton

A Canadian required help after an ATV accident in British Columbia. A companion activated an emergency satellite communications device, sending an SOS alert requesting an ambulance. Global Rescue contacted the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who dispatched emergency services. The injured ATV rider was later confirmed to have received medical treatment following the medical emergency response.

 

Kayaker Missing in Shoalhaven

An Australian was reported missing during a kayaking trip on the Shoalhaven River near Bulee, New South Wales. An SOS alert was received from an emergency satellite communications device, but two-way communication could not be established. The alert was relayed to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority despite low confidence due to limited tracking data. Later confirmation showed that emergency responders had arrived at the scene and the missing kayaker was safely accounted for, ending the search and rescue operations.

 

Cold and Stranded in Snowdonia (Eryri National Park)

A UK emergency satellite communications device owner sent an SOS alert while hiking near Nant Peris, Wales. She and her companion were cold, wet and an hour from their vehicle. Global Rescue notified the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency, which began coordinating a rescue. The hiker later confirmed she had safely reached her car at Pen y Pass, allowing emergency services to stand down and the SOS alert to be cancelled.

 

Broken Ankle in Vestland

A 67-year-old from the Netherlands was stranded on a mountain ledge in Vestland, Norway, after suffering a broken ankle. A companion activated their emergency satellite communications device and established two-way contact. Global Rescue relayed details to the Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Stavanger, which launched a helicopter. The injured person was airlifted from the ledge and transported to a hospital for medical treatment.

 

SOS in the Tasman Region

An SOS alert from New Zealand’s Tasman Region was received from an emergency satellite communications device located near Tākaka. Two-way communication could not be established, but the alert was transferred to the New Zealand Rescue Coordination Center, which launched a helicopter. Responders located a 70-year-old man with head and foot injuries and transported him to a hospital. The SOS had been triggered on his behalf, and the case was closed once local authorities assumed control of the medical emergency response.

 

How To Send an SOS to Global Rescue

Satellite communication device users should review their device’s SOS instructions carefully. Understand where the signal goes, what monitoring services are included, and how alerts are escalated. The most direct way to receive assistance is to contact Global Rescue at +1 (617) 459-4200 or through a messaging device at ops@globalrescue.com or operations@globalrescue.com. Having this information ready before departure ensures that an SOS alert can lead to the fastest possible emergency rescue.