Essential in planning outdoor activities, safety is one of the fundamental pillars for those who practice trekking, climbing, cycling, among other modalities. On the equipment list – especially for those who frequent remote areas – a satellite communicator, such as SPOT or Garmin models, should always be included.
Through 100% satellite technology, these devices enable communication in places without cell coverage, with functionalities such as tracking, sending and receiving messages, GPS location, and most importantly: they facilitate sending help requests and triggering rescues.
Inside SPOT functionalities
Globalstar was the pioneer in creating a satellite messenger in 2007, with the goal of assisting in emergency situations. Currently, SPOT X (two-way satellite communicator) and SPOT Gen4 (satellite GPS messenger) devices offer several features that enhance the safety of outdoor enthusiasts.
Among the main resources are the SOS button (used in life-threatening emergencies) and the Help button (for requesting support from friends and family in situations that do not involve life risk).
Behind SPOT devices, there is a robust structure that combines technology with highly trained teams, responsible for triggering and coordinating rescues in emergency cases.
Communication in non-life-threatening emergencies
Exclusively available on the SPOT Gen4, the Help button is indicated for situations where there is no life risk. When pressed, the device sends SMS messages or emails with your GPS coordinates to previously registered contacts – family, friends, or trusted professionals.
This way, these people can take the necessary steps to provide assistance. “Generally, more experienced outdoor practitioners know people qualified to help in these cases, and this button allows you to trigger a more targeted rescue,” explains Durval Puterman, Globalstar’s marketing coordinator.
SOS: request for professional rescue
In 2024, SPOT reached the milestone of 10,000 rescues initiated through the SOS function of its devices, available on both SPOT X and SPOT Gen4. When triggered, the SOS button sends, via satellite, all your information and exact coordinates to the rescue center operated by FocusPoint International, a global reference in rescue coordination and SPOT’s partner.
Once the data is received, FocusPoint immediately begins coordination and case monitoring. The company operates a 24-hour call center, with multilingual support and rapid response.
“When the SOS is triggered, the rescue process with SPOT begins immediately. In the first five minutes, support is already initiated and our involvement is intense. We contact local authorities and make the necessary connections until the rescue is completed,” explains Durval.
The first step is to contact the emergency numbers registered by the SPOT user, both to inform them of the incident and to obtain additional information about the person’s planned activity. Then, the center triggers the local authorities – in Brazil’s case, the Fire Department. The monitoring is carried out in real time, ensuring that rescue teams act quickly. Information exchange is constant, including with family members, in most cases.
In the case of SPOT X, a more robust device with two-way function and integrated keyboard, the person who requested assistance can maintain direct contact with the rescue center, providing more reassurance. “You will receive a reply message from the center itself. As long as the SOS is active, your location will continue to be automatically transmitted. Even if you move, professionals will have access to updated information,” explains Durval.
To optimize emergency response, Durval recommends that users pre-register the activity they intend to carry out on the SPOT platform. This helps the center better understand the context.
Does SPOT work well for rescues in Brazil?
The executive states that the service in Brazil is extremely functional and agile. “People often question SPOT’s functionality in the country, but our search and rescue operations carried out by the Fire Department are very efficient. It is a service that is usually quick in conjunction with local authorities.”
See, for example, the case of Edilaine, who suffered a serious fracture during a crossing in the Serra do Papagaio and was rescued thanks to triggering the SOS of the SPOT Gen4:
Durval also points out that with each new incident, the rescue center globally maps the appropriate contacts to trigger the service more precisely and quickly. “If the accident occurred in the state of Minas Gerais, for example, the center will already have cataloged which Fire Department division is responsible for that region. These contacts are updated as rescues take place.”
How to request rescue abroad with SPOT?
When you trigger the SOS, regardless of the subscription plan, the FocusPoint International search and rescue service will always be activated. In Brazil, the competent authorities provide the service free of charge.
If you are abroad, the procedure will be the same; however, the search and rescue service, even if public in some countries, may generate costs. In other situations, the service is provided by private institutions – which will result in charges.
In such cases, it is recommended to subscribe to the Overwatch & Rescue plan, an emergency assistance service. “If the rescue generates a charge, the company itself will be responsible for the payment. If you do not have this plan, the service will still be carried out, but the costs, which are usually high, will be your responsibility,” explains Durval.
The executive cites as an example the case of a SPOT partner agency that needed a rescue on Mount Roraima, but on the Venezuelan side. “They were unable to obtain authorization to send a Brazilian aircraft and were rescued by a local group. Since they did not have the plan signed, they had to bear the cost of the rescue.”
The Overwatch & Rescue plan imposes no financial limits for rescue operations, and does not establish any altitude limitation for those who enjoy mountain climbing. Benefits include:
- Comprehensive medical and security assistance while traveling
- No-cost evacuation in cases of medical or security emergencies, including expenses with ground ambulances and rescue helicopters
- 24/7 multilingual crisis consulting
- Access to a team of highly experienced doctors, security specialists, and crisis response professionals
- Support in qualified crises such as adventure sports accidents, natural disasters, pandemic threats, and travel disruptions
The service also provides for the dispatch of international teams to locations where service is precarious, whenever necessary and feasible. “In addition to its own structure, FocusPoint International has a global partner network, through which teams from other countries provide rescue service,” explains Durval.
The Overwatch & Rescue plan can be contracted directly on the SPOT platform.
Check out the free course “Safety and communication via SPOT”, by Gear Tips, and learn everything about SPOT trackers on our blog.
SPOT is a Gear Tips partner and Gear Tips Club members have exclusive discounts.
This post is also available in: Português (Portuguese (Brazil)) Español (Spanish)
