Garmin inReach: Over 3,000 emergency calls in 2025, helicopter often needed

Apple offers satellite communication on the Apple Watch Ultra 3, while Garmin has been offering satellite-based telecommunications services on models such as the Fenix 8 Pro for some time now. This capability is primarily relevant for users who are involved in outdoor activities such as extended trekking tours or sailing. Garmin provides insights into the usage of this service in an annual report.

According to the report, there were more than 3,000 emergencies reported via inReach in 2025. Strong growth was seen not only in water sports and boating activities, but also in emergencies occurring on trails or in the mountains. The number of medical emergencies, such as cardiac emergencies or cases of altitude sickness, has also been steadily increasing for years. There has also been an increase in workplace-related problems or emergencies, which have now also made it into the (rather unenviable) top ten list.

Hiking and backpacking account for the largest share of activities, although these are likely relatively common sports compared to snowmobiling or hunting. In most cases, it is injuries that necessitate contacting inReach, followed by vehicle problems and medical issues unrelated to injuries. The need to send an SOS message when a vehicle breaks down, rather than simply waiting for roadside assistance, makes sense in areas without satellite coverage. People becoming lost and/or experiencing problems with their own vessel are also not uncommon.

A remarkable aspect is that the most frequently used rescue method, relatively speaking, was the helicopter. This suggests that these were either very serious emergency calls and/or emergencies in very difficult-to-access terrain. In 12% of cases, no official intervention was required; instead, people were able to free themselves from their predicament with the help of Garmin Response, which can guide lost users out of confusing terrain or to an occupied mountain hut using GPS points. However, using Garmin inReach requires a paid subscription, which cannot be activated spontaneously in an emergency.