Emergency Communications

Tom n N

Advanced Member
Joined
Nov 11, 2022
Messages
77
Location
Los Osos, CA
In the past we have never gotten around to getting an emergency communication device (Spot, etc) due to the usual factors: cost, required subscription, another device to carry and especially because a lot of them can’t differentiate between a stroke that needs a Medivac helicopter NOW, or just being out of gas, but with a weeks worth of food, so just needing a can of gas sometime. Plus just laziness.

This discussion got more serious on a recent trip to northwestern Nevada. After pre walking a rather long and deep water crossing with my handy depth pole and informing my long suffering wife it would be okay, she (rightfully) pointed out (1) I could have missed a hole in the very rocky trail beneath. (2) we hadn’t passed another person in several days. (3) We are well into our 60’s with all the usual health concerns that come at that age (4) Even though it’s very well equipped and cared for, our trusty Toyota is over 30 years old.

In a rare case of sanity and compromise I grudgingly backed up and hung a 20 point U turn on the trail. While getting out checking to make sure I hadn’t inadvertently ignited the dry grass with my Cat during the U turn, I heard the distinctive rattle of a diesel in the distance, and pretty soon a large Dodge forded the water from the other side (perfect timing!) He graciously agreed to wait until we got safety across, and all was good. I did, though, solemnly swear to not venture into the outback again without some kind of emergency communications.

So, long story short, it looks like newer I phones have or are coming out with satellite text capability that would render all other devices obsolete. In checking this out I’m getting mixed information. To be clear, I’m not interested in any social media or photo sharing over satellite, just the ability to text either 911 or to get a friend to come bring me a replacement for a broken part. We’re not terribly tech savvy and currently have older IPhones on a Verizon prepaid plan. Would have no problem buying a new phone but some say 14,15, or 16 can work, but others disagree, and of course all want to sell us upgrades we don’t want or need.

Since we don’t have kids, I’m thinking some of you out there can help us old Amish geezers with this.

Thanks
Tom
 
Tom, I’m pretty happy with InReach. Two way communication and a number of other features. You can find the devices used on CL and other sites, or buy new. We have the monthly essentials plan.
 
I don't have answers, but a very good question.

My hunch that this is a new use of existing technology. Phones have been enabled with GPS technology for years. As with anything new or repurposed, there will be growing pains and compromises. As with all tech, it is a matter of when you want to jump in and swim through the internet swamp along with all the bugs and crocodiles.
 
Tom, I’m pretty happy with InReach. Two way communication and a number of other features. You can find the devices used on CL and other sites, or buy new. We have the monthly essentials plan.
Agree with Steve. The InReach mini 2 is very small and lite. Our plan:
1731272920035.png
 
We have an iPhone that can do it, but alas, forgot to upgrade to IOS 18. We can compare with the InReach soon when we are back in civilization. One big advantage with the InReach is it's a lot more rugged and the battery lasts a long time.
 

iphone 14 or later will work. Have not tried it yet, but heading to Yukon/Alaska next year. With our StarLink setup we can often get internet/email when we don't have cell service.
 
*10

No second guessing GPS formats. 3 words and defined
location.
3 words & found. Much less likely to miscommunicate location than GPS digits.
 
This fall I upgraded from an inReach SE to an inReach Mini 2. I am impressed.
  • It acquires satellites quickly. It even works from inside my Grandby.
  • I control everything from my iPhone with Garmin Messenger.
  • My family gets a location map and GPS coordinates with messages. No errors in transcribing.
  • I message my family every night that I am OK.
  • We texted back and forth without a cell signal.
  • It's small enough that it is always on my person.
Also adding What3Words app to my phone. Belt and suspenders.

P.S. I had no usable cell signal about 40% of the time on my last trip out west.
 
Wow, thanks for all the responses.
-Vic, thanks for verifying 14 and up will work
-Rubberlegs, looking forward to hearing how the ISO18 upgrade works and compares, have a great rest of your trip and keep me posted when you return.

-As far as the 3words app: on our last trip had a long pleasant conversation with a sheriff in Garlach Nev (great guy who gave us some good trail and camping ideas in the Blackrock Hills). He said anytime a 911 call comes in from a mobile device the GPS location is automatically recorded, so they immediately know where you are (no need to tell them). Sounded like this is the case whether text or voice, cell or satellite. Did I understand this correctly, and would this feature be universal, or maybe just that area? He said it’s a very useful tool for the large amount of remote rescues they provide around there.

While it sounds like a lot of you are very happy with the inReach service, I personally would like to avoid another device to remember to carry and charge, and another monthly fee to pay. My wife is never without her fully charged phone, so it sure would be great if it just had the ability to automatically switch from tower to satellite while texting in remote areas. I guess my question is if that is really possible?Sounds simple, but I know the devil is always in the details. While devices such as the inReach have lots of great features, all I need is to be able to communicate in emergency or semi emergencies, and for me simple is always better!

Thanks again for all the great input and opinions
Tom
 
Just remember that 2 is 1 & 1 is none.

Having only one device to call emergency services for help for family member or an injured or stranded stranger, is a larger risk than having to carry an extra pound or two.

In the back country, we each have our cellphone, commonly without cell service, our InReach device, plus ham radios and GMRS/FRS radio.

If you drop your only cellphone, or forget to charge it, or you have no cell service, who you gonna call?
Just saying…

Paul
 
Just remember that 2 is 1 & 1 is none.

Having only one device to call emergency services for help for family member or an injured or stranded stranger, is a larger risk than having to carry an extra pound or two.

In the back country, we each have our cellphone, commonly without cell service, our InReach device, plus ham radios and GMRS/FRS radio.

If you drop your only cellphone, or forget to charge it, or you have no cell service, who you gonna call?
Just saying…

Paul
Paul
You mention often not having cell service, but the whole point of satellite service is that you always have service, so that’s not an issue.

On the other hand, you make a very good point about redundancy. I would never leave home without a spare tire…why only one comm device?

Thanks for your thoughts,
Tom
 
Last edited:
I just weighed my InReach Mini-2 -- it is 3.5 ounces, or exactly 100 grams and is slightly smaller than the palm of my hand.
 
Many years ago when cell coverage was not so good. We were photographing in a very remote place walking cross-country. In a rocky section my gal had a slight fall, no injury. It would have been necessary to leave her and travel 5 hours just to see someone to start help.

But that got me thinking, we are always out in areas with no other people, no cell coverage and very long hours just to get to a place for any help to start.

I purchased a PLB and now had it long enough that it is ready for third battery replacement.

Sure there are smaller and lighter ones now, but don't mind the half of pound weight.

It goes with me in the pack. Especially when out working on the trails with chainsaws. There i have radio, cell phone and PLB. Always more than one way to summon help.

NOHA has my information on file when I need to deploy activation. Over the years this has give us some assurance of handling the what if accidents when in middle of nowhere dealing with no cell service.

Having this working on two different frequency satellites and a homing beacon is nice to know without monthly fees. But now it is mentioned that with cost a cell phone can have satellite service. And be able to talk to someone giving what the emergency actually is sounds like a great way to go.

But what is the cost?
.
20241111_143651.jpg
 

New posts

Try RV LIFE Pro Free for 7 Days

  • New Ad-Free experience on this RV LIFE Community.
  • Plan the best RV Safe travel with RV LIFE Trip Wizard.
  • Navigate with our RV Safe GPS mobile app.
  • and much more...
Try RV LIFE Pro Today
Back
Top Bottom