inReach SOS: What REALLY Happens (And What Might Not)

[@Rescue-mt7fl]

As a 35 year rescuer both urban and wildland helicopter search and rescuer, your breakdown is pretty solid. The biggest take away here is that if you are going in the back country you’re going there for a reason, because it’s sparsely populated. This means that ultimately your rescue is up to you. Tools like the inreach are there help if things go bad. It’s not a guarantee and “timely” rescue has nothing to do with your physical condition but only on the resources, if any to get to you.

[@jmc_-im6sd]

Great information! As someone that does deep wilderness solo backpacking, i now carry an inReach after a trip years back when i chose to "take a shortcut" and go up and over Red Rock Ridge in the Marble Mountains on my way back, and fell on the way down a large creek, wedging my right leg between two boulders and spraining my leg. Could barely walk and was now off trail and more than 7 miles from my vehicle. Also, now I was in a different location than the paper i left on my vehicle seat so if someone came looking, they wouldn't have found me. Luckily i had about 6 days of food left, my water filter, a gun, and lots and lots of knowledge of the area. Made it back three days late with the Sheriff's department looking for me and my family fearing the worst. My friend, who is part of both the local Cal-fire/Forest Service was due to go out the following morning with 4 other guys on their own time (AND took off work to do so) to search for me as they knew the land even better than me, but luckily i finally made it back to my vehicle. I had to drive down the mountain with only my left leg and ran into the sheriff's department on the way down, who were coming to check if my vehicle was still there...i remember all of this like it was yesterday. My wife at the time then made a rule that i could only go out on another trip if i bought an inReach, which i did... It gives peace of mind and it's worth every penny. Now after watching these videos, I'm realizing it's not as simple as i was thinking (being rescued). Now I'm just much more careful...Thanks for reading my novel! KEEP ON HIKING!!!

[@bobtosi9346]

Your story pretty much seals the deal for me. I hunt in remote wilderness areas. No cell no comms. The iNReach mini opens the safety window and lets the family not worry

[@musicman9945]

Yeah a few years ago I took an off trail section between two main trails in the PNW and made one wrong turn. I ended up 30 miles off track. My gps wasn’t working and my map wasn’t great and I was overconfident. I ended up following a river and ended up at a trailhead but definitely the wrong one. There were some spots I almost got rim rocked and another I had to climb a super sketchy section next to a cliff. Also for context it was very remote and only saw 1 person in three days. I remember thinking that I would not have been found if I fell on that cliff. I was lucky to get out safely. Now that I do more solos and not as naive about my abilities I just got a InReach and will be taking it on all trips and day hikes you just never know

[@Steve-yu6pq]

My garmin sent a false sos signal somehow when I was riding my moto to Argentina. This happened in Colombia and the garmin people called my emergency contacts etc but they didn’t call 911 as they could see I was still moving . They were waiting for me to stop and called my number. I was impressed

[@James-hb8qu]

I snapped a leg bone when I was solo backpacking in Desolation Wilderness but was able to self-rescue. That experience increased my focus on understanding more of the SAR process and I appreciate your insight. Jon's video intrigued me and I actually shared it with the IERCC center and asked them some questions about it. The two issues I saw in Jon's video were 1) that he had unrealistic expectations of what happens in a SOS and 2) he felt (rightly or wrongly) that he was being given instructions that could lead him into danger. I asked the IERCC for their perspective on what to do if someone feels the initial SAR group is providing them dangerous instructions and if one should dialog with the IERCC in that case. Their response was a bit ambiguous saying that the first SAR group resolves the issue but that they still monitor it. My takeaway from that is that if one feels the SAR team is giving instructions that I feel could endanger me that I need to be very explicit about that when talking with IERCC. Instead of saying "that looks like a bad route" one should say "I believe the current instructions will put me in a dangerous situation." One tip is to put into your Inreach account any relevant information about medical conditions, prescriptions you are taking, etc. In the event you are not conscious during a SAR that information can be provided by IERCC to any SAR/medical team involved.

[@Dfgbuiiyyyybb]

If you’re in Colorado and an avid hiker you should consider getting a CORSAR card and keep it on you. It’s $3yr and helps fund search and rescue so that volunteers get reimbursed for coming to save your butt. Also consider taking some courses from the Colorado Mountain Club like bbwilderness first aid.

[@jpoconnor5744]

I recently scheduled with the IERCC and performed an SOS test of my Garmin device. At the end of the test, as part of the normal test procedure, they called my cell phone to answer any questions. He was very professional and helpful. I mentioned that I also had a 406 MHz PLB as a backup and he said depending on the circumstances of a particular emergency, if the victim has a PLB they will occasionally ask for it to be activated to aid the SAR team in homing in on the location.

[@rockymntdan1]

PLB for backup? You have that totally backwards. Unless you're referring to a non-life threatening situation. I don't use these other "wanna be" devices anymore. Carry a PLB period.

[@Thirty9Trails]

For me, I have my own personal rule for hiking: Day hike: pack as though I’m going for 3-5 days. Overnight hike (under 3 days): pack as though I’m going for 1-2 weeks. Etc. By this I don’t mean that amount of extra food water but more First Aid items, life straw/water purification, extra batteries/chargers for things like headlamp, flashlight, phone, fire making items. I could be fine but if I come across someone who is injured, I may need to stay with them, help, and keep them stable and safe until rescue can get to us. I’d rather carry the extra bit of weight and be prepared for a bad situation than end up in a bad situation and struggle.

[@charliedroves5610]

Pack 5 days for a day hike? How about when you walk the dog around the block…just pack for an overnight?

[@baileymoto]

@@charliedroves5610Because inconvenient and/or bad things can happen. Where we hike, camp, etc…there is no cell service. Having to hike back to some sort of civilization is a possibility and a single nights worth of kit may not be enough.

[@charliedroves5610]

@baileymoto There’s two types of inexperienced hikers: 1) those that bring too little 2) those that bring way way way too much and have the entire REI outlet in their bag. I guess the second one is better than the first and you’ll get a better workout with all the extra weight.

[@Thirty9Trails]

@@charliedroves5610 first off, what I bring isn’t a huge weight factor. I’ve been hiking, camping, etc. since I was a little kid. Living on a 3,000 acre cattle ranch in the mountains of Colorado, Boy Scouts, a father who loved the outdoors. I’m not part of this era where everyone needs to be ultra light to fit the mold of a “hiker”. To each their own. I also don’t feel the need to voice my negative opinion and be judgmental or condescending about how others choose to do things. @baileymoto gets my style…

[@newslavecity8311]

guy takes his inreach with him and notifies his mommy every morning he wants the newspaper off the driveway.

[@gordon3988]

Appreciate this…and timing for rescue can vary. I was on a local mountain within a 30 minute drive of Vancouver BC. Someone fell off a cliff, we phoned 911 right away and it took roughly 2 hrs to get a long line rescue from a helicopter in place, and this was in winter with temperatures around freezing. Great team of well trained rescue folks close to a major city, but it still took 2 hrs and maybe an hour more to get the person out. I think in more remote areas (not that far away) 8 hours may be a best case scenario and 2-3 days in a worst case dependent on weather, though less likely I suspect.

[@blueduster74]

Often out west if it’s not a national park it’s going to be a group of volunteers. I was part of the volunteer group in Nye County NV. We often helped out in neighboring CA areas from Dumont to Bodie and all over NV, Southern UT and Northern AZ. Most of us were just simple experienced 4x4 and outdoors people. I had training to use FLIR and other equipment (AWS the Navy) so I was one of the few that sometimes went up in aircraft when the professionals weren’t available.

[@RuralHousewife]

I am really grateful for all your videos! I had to deploy the SOS today on my Garmin it made all the difference. I had a mishap with bear spray. I encountered a few bears on the trail while solo backpacking and one time, I slid the safety off *just in case*, and put it back on upside down by accident. I somehow bumped it while putting my pack on and it got in one eye, on my face, and on half my pack. The Garmin people put me on a call with the park rangers and I was able to hike a few miles and meet them near the trailhead. The Hiking Guy's explanation on what to do if you deploy SOS, how long you can expect to wait for help, etc. were spot on. The mini InReach is expensive but it was well worth it today. Also, after experiencing bear spray, I think it might be more humane to shoot the bear. This stuff is TERRIBLE.

[@Hikingguy]

Oh man, sorry you had to go through all that but thank you for sharing that, and I'm glad the guides have been helpful. And I feel the same way with the inReach. I'd rather not pay but knowing I have it in case of an accident like this, it's worth every cent. Glad you're okay.

[@cgarrett1974]

I just purchased the InReach Mini 2. I hope I never need to use the SOS, but your videos on this are invaluable. Thank you so much 🙏

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you for watching & glad they've been helpful!

[@Ella_ellie12]

Is it work well ? I’m going buy to hiking in Yellowstone

[@cgarrett1974]

@@Ella_ellie12 It's pretty awesome! No complaints. I opted for the mid-tier pricing plan.

[@Hikingguy]

@@Ella_ellie12 yes

[@barbarapaine8054]

I got one too. And it might seem like overkill since I only day hike, but I’m in my 60’s and mostly have to hike alone. Even in Southern California, in “popular” or heavily used mountain trails, I often don’t see anyone for hours at a time. It’s expensive insurance, but it gives my family peace of mind.

[@Funkteon]

Depending on where you get lost in Australia, it's pretty common for us to head straight out on dirtbikes to find you and then organise an airlift if 'actually' necessary...

[@AdventureOtaku]

This is a great video, thanks for doing the hard work. I am a NOLS wilderness med instructor and highly recommend if you are active in the back country you should take at least a 2 day wilderness first aid course. Also, be prepared that a helicopter probably isn’t coming to get you. It is much safer to carry someone out than to bring in a helicopter.

[@JL-qe5gl]

@@AdventureOtaku I had a friend that had a climbing accident, and even though carrying him out would have been possible, he wouldn’t have made it to a hospital in time due to severe bleeding, so in that case it was much safer (for him) to have a helicopter airlift him out from a steep hillside.

[@garyzimmerman8679]

These devices aren’t just valuable for backpackers and campers. They are valuable to off road overland 4x4 trips too. As well as kayakers as well. Good for anyone who goes out in the back country as well. I worked for New Mexico S&R and it can take a few hours to get to you depending on what part of the state your located in. Many of the areas have volunteers only except for those in charge.

[@jkmwpc]

You always note "bail out" points in your hikes, which is great.

[@a.w.thompson4001]

Conversely, I watched a rescue where someone was having a health issue that could have been fatal, and the helicopter rescue crew said they'd much rather be called then have someone die because they were afraid to push the button.

[@CaliforniaTravelVideos]

Thank you Chris - your excellent posts are always helpful, well presented and balanced. Now that you've piqued my interest, of the four types of SAR, us backpackers would be requesting ground wilderness (lowland or mountain) SAR. Lowland is typically handed by local law enforcement while mountain scenarios are more complex, potentially utilizing horses, helicopters, dogs, planes (Civil Air Patrol), drones, listening devices, FLIR camera, etc. Training consists of: search, rescue, technical (safety of rescuers) and medical. Assuming the injured person remained stationary, having the "LKP" (Last Known Position or PLS - Point Last Seen) is very helpful for State and Local folks assigned, potentially a hasty search team forking through the sheriff's department or SAR citizens who begin scanning high-probability areas using PoD - Probability of Detection (as opposed to slower grid search teams). The NFS spends $3M annually and NPS $4M on SAR operations with expenses passed to US taxpayers as is cooperative US military SAR. States that currently may charge for SAR include Oregon, Colorado and Utah (but rarely do so unless extreme adventurers willingly put themselves in harm's way). Practically speaking, SAR is typically initially assigned to "local chief law enforcement officer," often the County Sheriff who may then involve local specialized well trained SAR teams of volunteers who are ready to go. That said Chris, excellent job contrasting two SAR jurisdictions in Texas with one based on isolated, rural wilderness.

[@Swimdeep]

A big part of backpacking is preparation. It is incumbent upon each individual to have a plan for emergencies. One should KNOW what the SAR policy/laws/protocol is for the areas you will visit. No matter if you’re on well-traveled train or deep backcountry, you need to be ready for basic survival-even on a day hike.🌿

[@Swimdeep]

The sheriff’s department that “rescued” Jon where a-holes and they deflected by blaming/shaming him. I hope changes were made.

[@richardgeorge3115]

Very helpful video. In Colorado, it is useful to have a fishing license (even if you don’t fish) and/or a Colorado Search and Rescue card. Support the volunteers!

[@TheBrokenNomad]

Keep in mind there are major differences between the Garmin-like devices (“SEND”), and Personal Locator Beacons. PLBs operate on the COSPAS-SARSAT global network and have an actual homing beacon.

[@lightwalker4558]

Thanks for sharing that information with us. I opted for a PLB instead because I don't need to text and am counting on the 5 watt signal getting out quickly in any type of weather. 😊

[@frankish5314]

Same here.. The 5W signal is pretty powerful. It is rumoured to be able to reach satellites from inside slot canyons.

[@MrSrtman18]

Whats pbl

[@lightwalker4558]

PLB = Personal Locator Beacon

[@Chris-lp3dm]

Good video. I'm another retired wilderness SAR guy, which means volunteer "mostly". A few points. In the American West it is mostly county Sheriff's with the legal requirement to conduct SAR. Typically they work with a volunteer group or operate their own as a civilian element of the Sheriff' Volunteer SAR teams are often members of such national organizations as "Mountain Rescue Association" and the "National Association for Search And Rescue". Those organizations provide team certification and training, hold annual conferences and numerous training exercises. About helicopters, many are county, state or federal government. Some are private. If an injured hiker is going to get a bill that is where it will come from, as helicopters are expensive to buy,, staff, equip, maintain and fly. Helo's are a blessing and a curse for Wilderness SAR. Yes they can and do save lives. Sadly, they can be ruinous for volunteer ground teams by taking away ground-based rescues and leaving the SAR volunteers little to do. Adds massive cost on the victim for the helo ride, removes incentive for volunteers to stay on the team. It can be pretty discouraging to volunteers when the chopper swoops in for something truly minor that should have been handled by the ground pounders. Last point: Do not ever hesitate to call for SAR! The truth is SAR people flat our LOVE what they do. You are not wasting their time, they want to head out into wild places on a moments notice!

[@snowleopard1918]

Great video, thx so much. Well I’m in Canada an I’m sure it would work the same here. I have an inreach and also an ACR personal locator beacon. The ACR is a one way only device and in Canada it sends a distress signal through a different satellite group to Trenton airforce base in Ontario. Anyway I talked to them there and basically it’s just like the service you described, they use your gps location to find the closest and best choice based on what they feel is adequate for your location, and of course with the ACR it’s only a distress signal so they don’t know how serious your situation is either. So like you said, be as prepared for the worst as you can be at all times.

[@richardgordy2080]

When I hiked, there wasn't all this technology, but I was part of search and rescue and always told people ,included local search and rescue, where and when and what I was taking with me, which included a two-way radio . Even if it was a 5-hour hike, I always took survival gear.

[@user-jim-molloy]

I wish Garmen (and other companies) would publish who they contact for the different areas and countries. I live and hike in Costa Rica and our trails are not well marked. I was thinking of buying an inreach but when I contacted them about who they would contact, the only answer I got is "local authorities" which tells me nothing. So I decided not to purchase one. Potential buyers have a right to know who it is that would be contacted. Your video confirms my fears - without knowing who will be contacted, the results could be very variable. Thanks for this video!

[@klacklery]

It literally is whoever is the local jurisdiction responsible for SAR. They aren't mobilizing some elite navy seal style team who's sitting in a hanger somewhere waiting.

[@user-jim-molloy]

@@klacklery But that is the question. Who is that local jurisdiction. They should be able to answer that and as a paying customer you have a right to know.

[@klacklery]

@@user-jim-molloy so you want a list of the... (I'm gonna low ball) million or so different jurisdictions world wide?

[@TonyRueb]

​@@user-jim-molloyit depends who can respond and who has the resources. Typically the request will make it into the local 911 center and go from there.

[@user-jim-molloy]

@@TonyRueb I live in Costa Rica and I would like to know who exactly they would contact. They should be able to tell me that!

[@PaulBeiser]

Thanks, fantastic info presented with some great example and things to do beforehand. Much appreciated.

[@TonyYarusso]

I’ll add a few other things too: * There are a lot of scenarios where the same circumstances that led to you hitting the button may also be impeding a rescue team. Lots of times people get into trouble at least in part due to weather or things like landslides, so you have to expect that progress of that rescue may be quite slow. * Also, resources may be coming from pretty far away. You may have searchers who are driving six hours before even reaching the trailhead, depending on where you are and what type of search or rescue is anticipated. * Even in cases where you are getting a prepared, trained, and experienced team, that team might still be dedicated volunteers, not getting a paycheck for this (and likely missing their paying job to be there). * Remember that you got into this situation in a recreational context - you chose to take on a particular level of risk for fun. The combination of volunteers and your choice to be out there means the level of risk rescuers are willing to take on themselves may be more conservative than you think. This isn’t going to be like a firefighter rushing into a burning building at extreme risk to themself to try to reach you. If there’s a snowstorm raging that makes it unsafe for them to attempt a search, they are likely going to be ordered to wait until conditions improve. That combined with the pure logistics of wilderness search and rescue boil down to the one common theme: Be prepared to wait. They’ll get you out, but it very often will not be fast. Obviously there will be more urgency when your medical condition requires it, and gathering details of your situation is a huge way a two-way messenger like InReach shines, but if you are unable to self-extract yet still safe where you are for the moment, plan on staying put for potentially several days.

[@SnapShot026]

For the most part you are very correct. A couple of other notes: 1) in the US there is a National Response Framework, but for SAR there are no actual Standards. 2) in almost all states (outside of National Parks - DOI), the legal responsibility for SAR is the county Sheriff except a few states like New Mexico and I think Hawaii and Alaska where it is the responsibility of the State Police. Interestingly, National Forests (USDA) usually also default to the county Sheriff. But of course you are correct that each county may have different capabilities for SAR response. 3) the vast, vast, VAST majority of all SAR response in the US is done by (but in many cases WELL TRAINED) volunteers. But again, a lot of good information in your video. Edit: after watching Jon's video, I think part of it is a problem with some Agencies in charge. There is probably a good well trained team available to actually get to the person. But many agencies have a problem with 'turf' and often do not want to call the 'volunteer' team for help. This happens all the time where the sheriff or whoever is in charge doesn't realize or isn't willing to call on all available resources to actually get to the subject. This is definitely an issue/failing with the SAR system in the US.

[@Tactical_Nightwach]

One good thing to keep note of if your out in the middle of nowhere is if your useing a gps navigator get your latitude and longitude position and text that out after hitting the SOS button that way if someone is sent out on backpack to get you they and use that to get a exact fixon your location

[@John-uo1qf]

Doesn't Garmin provide your location based on the SOS you send out?

[@christinerolle3876]

Thanks for your info very informative. Do you know about the personal locator beacon if u hit SOS will be the same kind of rescue? I have both mini garmin and PLB.

[@Hikingguy]

The PLB gets routed through the USAF for inland emergencies. I think they have the same contacts as IERCC (sheriffs, etc.) but my guess is that if they had some military assets close, they might just go directly to them first. www.1af.acc.af.mil/Units/AFRCC.aspx

[@back40canoe]

That all seems like common sense to me. When I go out I often think about who the IERCC could/would call and luckily where I tend to go it is multiple different groups from the police and coast guard to SAR.

[@Jason-qq3fz]

5:26 Dr. Ben Shifren Doctors Medical Center Modesto, CA. Greatest ER doc ever

[@lookoutlinn]

You got that right! Great man. Just crazy to be watching a random video and see Ben.

[@HolisticHealthEducation]

Interesting. A potentially meaningful expansion on the topic, might be a have a look at what a rescue might look like, outside of the USA. Like Sierra-Leone or some other random country?

[@Hikingguy]

I don't have experience overseas but this is a great resource: www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/saved-by-garmin/

[@crankshaft007]

In Jon’s video it seemed clear the people he was dealing with are just local police in that area. Which is why he was treated like he was as they had no proper training or incentive to help. Really unfortunate that any police officer would have that type of attitude but small detachments are well known for being outside the lines. Which just rolls into the hazing after the rescue as this spotlights the people he was dealing with. I live in west coast of canada and our search rescue is “ no charge” but search rescue is funded by donations, government grants etc. Couple years back a communication issue between the police and search rescue cost a ski couples wife’s life. As you pointed out in your video the area the SOS is initiated makes a huge difference. If its a well visited area or park that has a dedicated SAR team its a way different experience. You could make a whole series just on the new hiking culture with clubs and Meetup’s. People having lost all common sense and expecting to call 911 and be rescued. Not for accidents but just complete break down in common sense.

[@dundas45]

Thanks for the info. The Conti story is interesting and worth the view as there is a lot more in there than just the questionable tactics of this particular rescue team. Regardless, glad it all worked out and I will still be carrying my Garmin inReach when hiking.

[@joeglennaz]

This might be a good reason to have a true personal locator beacon, and not a satellite communicator and personal locator beacons the entire system from the ground up with design for search and rescue worldwide. The one that I use made by ACR has a five-year battery and uses three different satellite constellations further it has a full 5 W of power so your signal will get out if you’re deep in the canyon or under a snow covered tree canopy. Finally, there’s no monthly fee this system is subscribed to by most government of the world. There’s a difference, a real difference in a true personal locator beacon and a satellite communicator. They both are useful and they both have their positives and negatives. When I’ve seen those so many people are not doing the real research and just going with the satellite communicator, assuming because it has an SOS button everything will be OK. Do your research

[@Hikingguy]

Yup & and I have PLB reviews on my channel / site too that should be helpful when doing your research.

[@bokiNYC]

That's all great but I wanted to have both options. The battery in my ACR PLB is great and all but it can last about 24-28 hours or so and if the rescuers can't come in that time frame and I had to move a around and not stay at the same spot, that would be a problem. The Garmin InReach Mini 2 has the USB C port and if the battery runs out, it can be charged up with the portable power banks. Anyways, all good info here but I prefer to have both.

[@gordonroberts3770]

Be prepared - Be prepared to stay the night - It may take us a day or two to get to you and another day to get you out - longer without a good GPS location. Support your local SAR group.

[@EricThompsonClimber]

Getting your tracks off the garmin can be super challenging.

[@billbeyatte]

Great information. Thanks

[@cinemastratv]

Really helpful video! thaks a lot! I have a question regarding the laguage of SOS service. For example, if you're US citizen, english speaking person and you've got into SOS situation, while traveling to Spain. Which language will SOS service use to speak to you?

[@Hikingguy]

The IERCC will communicate in your local language, but when they put you in touch with rescue, it would probably swtich to local languague. BUT I think the IERCC can prob translate and facilitate communications

[@cinemastratv]

@@Hikingguy thank you!

[@marcrobyn4844]

Very informative.

[@rogerxxxxxxx]

Can't believe it. Absolutely no mention of Superman.

[@fh5926]

I know personally of three instances where a SPOT Communicator sent an SOS. In all three instances, rescue of some sort showed up within a couple of hours. Better to have than to not have. There's also the option of sending a text with details. Or you can send the text directly to someone on your message list. Two-way text communication is great. It is important not to take risks just because if you get in trouble, you can press the SOS button. Irresponsible and stupid.

[@GaryBaum]

What is that device on your right shoulder strap? Is it a mount to carry a Garmin device?

[@Hikingguy]

Clip to carry my camera that I shot the video with

[@larryroberts4669]

As a 40 year SAR TECH , every thing said in this vid is TRUE. YOU NEED TO BE PREPARED FOR THE WORST. It may hours or days

[@ponytrishpip]

When I needed my SOS on my InReach and we had ambulance there in about 40 minutes. Police very shortly after

[@kwinzman]

Unfortunately the JonConti video is private and can not be watched. Is there a mirror?

[@theinvisiblecamper]

Its time people took more responsibility for their own safety - it seems people expect to be rescued at the press of a button and because of that they seem to think they are "safe" where ever they are . We as wilderness users took considerably more care and thought about our "plan B" before heading out when there was not mobile phones and sat communicators to call for help. (I have 30 years full time service as a rescuer)

[@DerekHardwick]

I get what you are saying, but the world is different that it was 30 years ago, and now it's often the case that a self-rescue is much farther down the list than calling for help early, precisely because we have these tools. All the (current) professional rescuers I know (as well as trained mountaineering and ski touring guides) generally advise erring on pulling the SOS trigger early rather than late, exactly because you don't know how long and what circumstances SAR are facing to get to you. In the video example (John's)... staying in place with a shelter, warmth, provisions, and using a SOS communicator to inform a designated contact back home of your location and situation, and later to initiate an SOS call... is an EXCELLENT plan B (it actually sounds like it was plan C or D, since he tried, unsuccessfully, to find an exit trail). Nowadays, NOT using the device and relying on your own self-rescue, first aid, or bushcraft skills (or whatever) is often just going to make SAR's job more difficult since they will eventually be informed you're missing and now have a much wider search area or deal with your worse medical condition.

[@JM-gz1ej]

Very informative

[@luke-ve8jb]

So let’s say you have a serious accident, you press SOS then pass out, would they still come? My understanding is they try message you asking for details, but what if you can’t due to the seriousness of the injury?

[@Hikingguy]

If you hit SOS and don't send any more info, they will come to your GPS coords that got sent with your SOS

[@inthedirt3224]

if it was so easy for them, next time do it without the snowmobiles

[@butchfajardo8832]

Can we request Garmin or program it to text a person we choose when we press SOS?

[@donnahenrikson1320]

On your Garmin account there is room to list 2 emergency contacts of your choice. If you hit SOS, Garmin contacts them (I know from recent personal experience) and will keep them informed as rescue unfolds. They contacted my family by phone.

[@michaelcolacino4398]

Thanks!

[@Hikingguy]

MAN!! Big big big thank you! I really appreciate it!

[@silverismoney]

I watched his video. And I read what the rescue team said about him. Notice though that there isn't a single negative comment about him and his experience on his YT page, but there are dozens and dozens of them on FB? I'm not sure who is right or wrong here, but I do think Conti is filtering the responses to his video. If the rescue team are right though, why did he refuse to follow instructions? It does kinda smell a little bit like a setup for the cameras , but , if I were in the rescue team I wouldn't be making any comments on FB about it. So I don't know what to think, but I think there are 3 stories. Conti's , the rescue team, and the truth.

[@SingleMalt77005]

Once the SOS responds to me, can I type my answers to their questions using the Messenger app or do I have to use the clunky keyboard on the Mini2?

[@Hikingguy]

You can use the phone app

[@SingleMalt77005]

@@Hikingguy Thanks for helping this newbie.

[@garycampbell7999]

I’ve moved to rumble not much on your page over there.

[@CocoaPimper]

I am super new to this. But when I looked at getting a garmin with the expensive subscription my assumption was that the money I pay to have the subscription is used to pay for the actual rescue… now it seems more like the $50 a month is just for garmin forwarding my cry for help to some random entity… lol that is just mind boggling… especially if you compare that to actual insurances… for like $600 (=12x$50) you get the very best world wide health insurance that actually pays for medical stuff… is garmin just a total rip off?

[@Hikingguy]

It can be confusing. Maybe this will help - You pay for the device once _ You pay for a subscription, which is like a cell phone plan. You're paying for satellite time to send messages. An SOS "911" center access is included with that. - If you need a rescue, that SOS response center makes sure the right people are responding. In most cases a rescue is free, but it depends on where you are and cost money. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpSuZIBvfpecgac

[@Sirshackleton]

My takeaway is If you get hurt in the back country Good Luck!

[@serdalyener]

Hello, this is not the place for this topic, but something came to my mind. I cannot load more than 3 maps at the same time on etrex devices. Other maps in the same format that I put in the device's memory do not appear. How is this situation on GPSmap devices? Is there a limitation?

[@jonathans6957]

I watched Conti's video and was disgusted. When you subscribe to a service like Inreach YOU ARE NOT PAYING FOR YOUR RESCUE. You are paying for satellite access and the ability to be connected to SAR. People who, as you mentioned, are mostly volunteers. Volunteers who are pretty overwhelmed these days trying to get a lot people out of situations they should have never gotten themselves into in the first place. Volunteers who are putting themselves at risk to do so. Had Conti not had an inreach you know what he would have done? Found a way to get himself out.

[@evelynwaugh4053]

True. And most of the volunteers have other, full time jobs. They're saving people on their off hours after work.

[@charliedroves5610]

Agreed

[@coolbugfacts1234]

did you miss the part of the video where there was no SAR team? he was interacting with ordinary cops which is why they were rude and incompetent

[@charliedroves5610]

@coolbugfacts1234 No that kid in the video was totally incompetent. He basically called LE to walk him out. That reason for rescue didn’t make sense. If I’m not injured, and I walked in, I’m getting myself out.

[@thatguy7085]

Laws now require you pay for your own rescue.

[@kencochrane8795]

In Johns story, I believe the InReach did exactly what it intended to do. The appropriate agency for SAR was notified. I think but do not know, that local SAR looked at the terrain and distances and after asking john some questions decided that this was probably not life or death and proceeded to deploy what they thought was appropriate . Personally, as an experienced, year round back country traveler I watched the video with some shock. John seems to be completely inexperienced and ill-equipped for winter travel. . Who goes backpacking in snow without snow shoes? At the point where he hit the SOS button, all he needed to do was turn around and walk the relatively shirt distance back out. Its the InReach users responsibility to evaluate if a situation is a true emergency. As for the LE guys who responded, clearly they were not a good choice for first responders in this situation. Though John was clearly out of his league, he apparently thought he was in a dangerous situation. Regular SAR should have been deployed and given the situation John should have paid the bill. Just my 2 cents!

[@charliedroves5610]

I agree 100 percent with your perspective.

[@funkidyo]

He had snow shoes?

[@a.w.thompson4001]

@@funkidyo No.

[@phillipfrench5370]

I think it was more that the officers publicly humiliated him, very unprofessional no mater what the situation.

[@lolobeans]

He had snowshoes. If you watch his video again he talks about them.

[@rockysharwell5878]

The Jon Contii Video is private -and cannot be watched

[@soaroutdoors]

Conti did it for views and begged for a helicopter. He still filmed himself while being directed to meet SAR🤔. He had water, shelter, food, and was mobile. Even managed to film himself filling water after pushing the SOS. Life in peril?? If my life was in danger I wouldn’t be filming, just saying. Good video about the InReach. I personally carry a PLB for “emergencies”. If I have to spend an extra day in the backcountry I’m prepared to do so. Personally I don’t believe the post was shaming, but a generalization of the rescue. If we ignore mistakes and sweep them under the rug, how are we to learn from them? Especially if the lesson can save lives in the future. Take for instance the Emily Sotelo incident on the Franconia Ridge. I commend her parents for responding the way they did and being proactive about a horribly sad situation. I also really like how New Hampshire charges “negligent” hikers for a rescue and think this should be implemented elsewhere. I understand accidents happen but if you go into the wilderness unprepared, you’re putting others at risk too. #bepreparednotscared #staysafeoutthere #expecttoselfrescue Highly recommend everyone to take a Wilderness First Aid class as well. Stay safe and hike on!

[@nn3514]

Agreed. And He told them he had no food but you can eat freeze dried without water.

[@lolobeans]

You can also cold soak dehydrated food, which he must know. I did find that portion of the story to be a bit off.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

It was a hidden agenda for true. Has millions of views as a result and cumulative ad revenue on all his videos now likely has made him an overnight financial success. Clearly evident by how he kept filming in perfect framing and rehearsed lines while under "disastrous" conditions. Disgusting.

[@вечная_мерзлота]

I never rely on someone to come rescue me. I'm carrying it just to stay in touch with my wife. just so she knows where my whereabouts are.

[@adventureseeker9800]

I can't really believe that any LEO's, sheriff's, or any kind of state troopers would be willing or able to help with most SAR missions. Search & Rescue personnel obviously have special training where as the typical sheriff in Texas, especially in small jurisdictions are unfortunately morbidly obese and barely have the breath or sweat to don the obnoxious cowboy hats. Also, does the typical sheriff have any significant medical training? Really?

[@Toomanydays]

Way to be a dick!

[@charliedroves5610]

Here we go with the “expert” comments. All the rugged extreme S&R backcountry trekkers and medics. Why does everyone in hiking forums talk helicopters and medics like taking a walk in the woods is a doggone military operation? Plan right, understand personal limitations, equip yourself with the applicable gear/clothing, GET IN EXCELLENT PHYSICAL SHAPE, learn how to navigate, understand the land, and educate yourself on how to stay safe. If you approach it in an intelligent manner, you probably won’t need to call S&R and you’ll enjoy your time in the outdoors.

[@Noriegha67]

Buy a 406mhz based ELT/EPIRB/PLB. Don’t rely on private industry.

[@Frostytravels]

Very unfortunate experience for that young man. Very unprofessional of them. Unfortunately there are lots of this type out there. Sad but true in todays environment.

[@BlackBuzzzard]

What about the utube clowns that record their entire incident/episode and post it? Viewers gotta realize its probably a stunt and waste of rescue resources. If yer recording it, you're probably not really in bad shape.

[@-Awareness]

Im wondering if the US people get charged a cost for the rescue service additional to the membership? If not… then it’s crazy to think your relative small membership fee of the Garmin can activate such teams of specialists and resources like helicopters etc… yet if in suburbia and you require medical attention, it can cost you thousands and thousands of dollars for treatment…

[@jeffhikes6210]

Recent posts on Homemade Wanderlust describe a rescue in the Sawtooth mountains of Idaho. Dixie was rescued by helicopter. She was billed $60,000 for the evacuation. She opted for rescue insurance through Garmin, and that may help with the expense.

[@NameNaameNameeNaamee]

The notion that Garmin "tricks" you by withholding information is a bit ridiculous. They say exactly what it is they are selling. They will establish contact where otherwise there is none. And they are very good at that. THAT is what you are paying for. If people fantasize about a personal seal team coming out to their rescue, that's on them. And if they are that naive, it begs the question if they are actually fit to go out into the wilderness on their own. Also, owning an InReach and paying for the largest plan does not entitle you to be reckless, careless, do plain d*mb moves or give the rescuers any attitude as in "I paid for you to pick me up". I am not saying that the person you are mentioning did that, but the fact that he obviously does not know, WHAT he paid for, is a bit irritating. It might also be exactly that, what triggered the Sherrifs office. That said, their reaction was absolutely inappropriate, unprofessional and will surely come back to bite them, since nothing is gained by people hitting that SOS button too late. I wonder why it is even allowed in the US to doxx people like that. It would be unthinkable in Europe. In general, I think if you reach a point at which you are not confident moving on by yourself, you by definition reached the point where you need help. And if there is no other way, then yes, that SOS button is there for you. And if it's a bunch of d*mba**es coming to get you, then there is nothing Garmin can do about it, but as you said, that is an exception rather than then norm.

[@Ella_ellie12]

I’m going alone. Better no

[@DerekHardwick]

In the end you're dependent on a) yourself and those with you, and b) Local Search and Rescue. As you mentioned, in some places that's awesome (national park where they expect to deal with missing persons on adventrures and the IERCC. It sounds like John got the local keystone cops, who were pissed and felt he wasted their time or put them at risk or inconvenience. The right question there is why is your local sheriff's office so badly run that you are understaffed, under prepared, have out of shape staff, or feel put out by having to walk down a trail to help someone (and why are they so unprofessional as to post about it on social media, good lord).

[@samaipata4756]

Lucky I live in a civilized country where search and rescue is well organized and educated, unlike the USA! That said, we also have a huge problem with tourists very I’ll equipped and uneducated venturing out into the wild. Your video should be looped and running at any tourist information centre! Plus people getting themselves in trouble due to I’ll preparation should be forced to repay all expenses for search and rescue or carry an insurance covering the rescue! We have also be aware of the fact that rescuers often set their lives at risk to safe those people, and life’s are lost way too many times! It also is good to create awareness of what GARMIN in reach can offer and what not!

[@baileymoto]

While I obviously don’t know, I’m going to guess the US has single states larger than your entire country. It’s not feasible to expect every corner of the US to have experts in mountain rescue. It depends entirely on where one is at in the US, its population size, resources available, etc.

[@MostlyFree-vh1uq]

People need to spend more time and money on gear thar prevents need of rescue. Gps are nice but they are just navigation tools.

[@thebigmon]

Hey, if you go hiking in the middle of nowhere and you decide you've had enough and want a helicopter ride back home then you better pay for it.

[@gregwolf3296]

Conti needs to get a grip on reality if hasn’t yet.

[@nn3514]

Agreed and conti needs to Toughen up. He screwed up so take the teasing, laugh and move on.

[@bdouglas]

The police which responded to Jon is a horrible bunch of right-wing nuts.

[@ramdas363]

Good.

[@ad70preterist]

@@bdouglas or worse a democrat

[@oyvind-b]

And you americans claim your country is the best in the world. Wow!

[@rockymntdan1]

Don't trust your life to "wanna be" devices like this. Get a genuine rescue device: PLB Period; end of story. If a PLB doesn't work, this junk won't work either.