The Garmin company, which makes InReach satellite devices, has released its annual report on how people got into trouble over the past 12 months.
While most incidents occurred in the United States, off-grid users signaled for help worldwide. The company created a map showing the global distribution of SOS calls.
Obvious patterns leap out at the viewer from this map. However, the map doesn’t just reflect where SOS signals were needed but also where people were able to use an InReach device. Photo: Garmin
The breakdown
Most people who triggered emergency calls were hiking or backpacking. Driving and motorcycling were the next most common categories. Other activities included rafting, mountain biking, and skiing.
There were relatively few fishing emergencies, which makes sense. Photo: Garmin
Injury was the most common cause of emergency calls, followed by vehicle issues and medical incidents. A significant percentage came from stranded and lost individuals. But major wildfires ravaged the outdoors in 2024 and endangered a growing minority of users.
In July, for example, two backpackers used their InReach to signal for help when a wildfire trapped them in Alberta’s Jasper National Park. As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, this category will grow.
The causes of SOS calls. Photo: Garmin
Most callers sent a distress signal for themselves or their group, but concerned bystanders also made a fair number of calls.
Most calls were made by the person who needed help. Photo: Garmin
About one in ten callers were able to rescue themselves. But for those who didn’t, the most common emergency response was by helicopter, followed by ambulances. Reflecting the increase in wildfire calls, the percentage of fire-related responses also went up.
Old-fashioned ground search-and-rescue teams still dealt with many problems. Photo: Garmin
More SOS calls were placed in 2024 than in any previous year. This doesn’t necessarily mean more people had emergencies. It may reflect that more outdoor people now carry satellite devices. Note the absence of SOS calls in countries like India, where InReach devices are illegal.
