A GPS SOS Device Can Be a Lifesaver
A GPS SOS device can be a lifesaver if you are lost, injured or stranded. lone worker device These devices are useful for lone workers; travellers and those working at sea or in remote locations; elderly people with dementia and Alzheimer's; kids who have autism or anxiety issues; and anyone else who might be at risk of being unable to communicate or find help in an emergency. Our GPS Trackers with SOS button are especially useful for this group of customers but can be used by everyone.
SOS devices are often built into GPS tracking units and are easy to use. They usually have an SOS button that can be activated by pressing and holding down for a few seconds. An instant message is then sent over the Orion data network to your designated contact, who will get a call, text or email telling them where you are. It will also give them instructions on what to do next. These systems are designed to make it as simple as possible for your designated contacts to contact you. We often recommend this type of system to our clients who work at sea or in remote locations or are lone workers, such as healthcare professionals or journalists.
It is important to remember that an SOS button should only be pushed in an emergency situation. We have heard many stories over the years of people pushing the SOS button for non-emergencies, or accidentally pressing it when they are in a hazardous situation. This could potentially result in a costly rescue bill for you or someone else. This is why most modern SOS devices, such as the Garmin GPSMAP 66i, Garmin inReach Mini 2, SPOT X, ZOLEO, and Somewear Global Hotspot, have made it more difficult to trigger an SOS signal by accident-they require you to press and hold the button for three seconds and lift the protective cover to send a message.
All the GPS SOS devices we have tested can be programmed with up to three different emergency contacts. These can be friends or family, and are usually contacted by sending an SMS text from your smartphone to the device. Some GPS devices have the ability to send a message with your location without activating the SOS button, which is great if you just need to let someone know where you are or need some encouragement.
Choosing the right GPS device for your needs will depend on several factors, including how often you will use it and which remote areas you will be travelling to. Generally, a personal locator beacon (PLB) will be cheaper and simpler to use than a satellite messenger, but each of the devices in this review has its own unique set of features and benefits. Unlike standard GPS devices that connect to cell towers, satellite messengers use a private constellation of satellites for communication, which means they can be used anywhere on Earth with a clear view of the sky.
