Report offers key insights and information
into SOS trends from around the world
OLATHE,
Kan., Feb. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Garmin
(NYSE: GRMN) today released its 2023 inReach® SOS
Report, highlighting trends involving SOS incidents reported to
Garmin Response℠ during the past calendar year. As a global
leader in two-way satellite communication, Garmin inReach
technology is available on a wide variety of devices and can help
individuals stay in touch globally with two-way text messaging,
location tracking and critical SOS emergency response
services1.
Here are some key takeaways from the 2023 report:
- SOS-triggered responses varied from local emergency services on
major interstate highways to highly technical helicopter rescues.
They came from locations on six continents, including nearly 100
countries, and in three oceans.
- Individuals activated an SOS the most during hiking/backpacking
activities, followed by driving and motorcycle incidents.
- Driving-related SOS incidents rose, emphasizing the importance
of having an inReach on hand for situations when cell phone
coverage is lacking. This is another benefit over relying solely on
cell and basic 911 capabilities.
- Many SOS incidents were for the actual inReach user; however,
over one-half were for a user's party member or a third-party
individual.
- With their inReach devices, as supported by the professionally
trained Garmin Response staff, inReach users were able to
self-rescue nearly 10% of the time.
Click here to read the entire 2023 report.
How inReach SOS works with Garmin Response
Thanks to a dedicated SOS button and 100% global
Iridium® satellite network coverage, Garmin inReach
users can quickly send an SOS message should an emergency occur.
Once an SOS message is sent, even if the user takes no other
action, the device sends a distress message to Garmin Response, a
24/7 staffed professional emergency response coordination center.
Garmin Response will communicate with the individual user, their
listed emergency contacts, search and rescue organizations and
other available local resources. They provide updates to users and
emergency contacts on the response effort, including confirmation
when help is on the way, and remain available as the incident is
being resolved.
What our customers are saying about inReach
"Witnessing a traumatic accident is stressful enough even
when you have an inReach (Garmin Response) to immediately contact
search and rescue and coordinate a rescue. I cannot imagine how
stressful it would have been to have to leave somebody severely
injured and hike or ski out for hours, try to find cell reception
and then try to communicate the location and potentially go back in
hours later not knowing what had transpired in the meantime. The
more inReach devices that are in the backcountry, the safer I
believe it will be for everyone." –Parker Clark, inReach user who
triggered SOS alerts that led to the rescue of two skiers
"We have carried the inReach device for years and have used
it to communicate, and I have used the tracking function to let
people know where I am when I fly or snowmobile. This is the first
time we have needed it in an emergency, and it did its job! The
Garmin Response staff was exemplary, keeping in touch and passing
along information as soon as it became available. My daughter is at
home now and recovering. Without inReach, she would have had to lie
on the wet riverbank for many hours while I tried to walk and swim
my way to get help. We will keep the inReach device with us
whenever we are outdoors, and I very highly recommend it to
everyone else." –Shane Horton, inReach user involved in a boating
accident
Find your Garmin inReach
Garmin offers a selection of inReach devices that vary in
weight, display size and features, all with two-way communication
and SOS capabilities.
- The inReach Messenger is an easy-interface device that provides
a simple, communications-focused inReach experience, handy for
anyone who might find themselves without cell service.
- When the size and weight of the gear matters most, the
easy-to-carry inReach Mini 2 is a great option with its lightweight
and compact design.
- Dedicated explorers, mountaineers, and hunters may prefer the
rugged GPSMAP® 67i GPS handheld and satellite
communicator, which offers TopoActive mapping and inReach
technology for backcountry activities.
- Road warriors may prefer the Montana® 700 Series, which includes
a full-touchscreen display, allowing users to quickly and easily
type messages, plus a variety of mounting options for ATVs,
motorcycles, bikes and more.
- For overlanding enthusiasts, the Tread® XL Series is
built for every part of the journey and has the mapping they need
to stay on track and communication technology to stay in
touch.
- On the water, Garmin offers the inReach Mini 2 Marine Bundle,
which includes a powered mount for the boat's helm for easy access
when needed. Mariners also utilize the GPSMAP 86sci, which comes
with preloaded BlueChart®g3 coastal charts in a
water-resistant, floating design.
- Aviators can send and receive messages conveniently through
their Garmin Pilot™ smart device app right from the cockpit.
Garmin Pilot leverages the inReach
Mini 2's GPS positioning to drive a georeferenced aircraft position
symbol on a tablet's moving map display.
Learn more about all of Garmin's inReach-capable
devices here.
An active satellite subscription is required for live tracking,
messaging, weather forecasts and interactive SOS capabilities. A
variety of affordable plans are available. Individuals with a
supported device and an active subscription can purchase search and
rescue (SAR) insurance plans through Garmin which offer financial
reimbursement for qualified search and rescue related
expenses2.
Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin
products have revolutionized life for adventurers,
athletes, off-road explorers, road warriors and outdoor
enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to
developing products that enhance experiences, enrich
lives and help provide peace of mind, Garmin believes every day is
an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Visit
the Garmin Newsroom, email our media team, connect with
@garminoutdoor on social, or follow our blog.
1Active satellite subscription required. Some
jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite
communication devices. It is your responsibility to know and follow
all applicable laws in the jurisdiction where the device is
intended to be used.
2 SAR insurance is an optional benefit in addition to
the emergency coordination response from Garmin Response. SAR
insurance is not required for Garmin Response to coordinate a
rescue response.
About Garmin: Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN) is incorporated in
Switzerland, and its principal
subsidiaries are located in the United
States, Taiwan and the
United Kingdom. Garmin, inReach,
GPSMAP, Montana, Tread and
BlueChart are registered trademarks, Garmin
Pilot is a trademark and Garmin Response is a service mark
of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.
All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and
service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All
rights reserved.
Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:
This release
includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its
business. Such statements are based on management's current
expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances
discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could
differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and
uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the
risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 30, 2023, filed by
Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file
number 0001-411180). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/company/investors/earnings/. No
forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking
statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and
Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any
forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information,
future events, or otherwise.
Media Contacts:
Mike
Cummings & Rehan Nana
913-397-8200
media.relations@garmin.com
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SOURCE Garmin International, Inc.