Colorado Mountain Hiker's Life Saved in Dramatic Rescue

 October 31, 2023

In a recent jaw-dropping incident, a group of hikers found themselves facing a perilous situation in the Colorado mountains. At an elevation of 12,000 feet, one of the hikers began to exhibit signs of altitude sickness, a potentially dangerous condition characterized by symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, and confusion. Complicating matters, the group was beyond the reach of conventional cellular networks, leaving them seemingly stranded without a way to summon help.

Understanding the severity of the situation, the group realized it was hazardous to try and attempt to retrace their steps to their starting point. Likewise, staying put and remaining exposed to the harsh elements of the mountain was not an option. In this precarious situation, the foresight of one hiker, Harold C., proved to be a lifesaver.

"I was doing a bit more backcountry adventures where there was no phone service or any other way to get help,” said Harold C. “My wife suggested I purchase a satellite messenger just in case; I did just that. About a week later, four of us were headed out on a four-day backpacking trip. As we got to the top, someone in the group was having trouble breathing at about 12,000 feet. We made it to camp that night and hoped he would be better in the morning. He wasn't. With about nine miles to go back and nine miles to the closest exit, we decided he needed to get help quickly, so we used the Motorola Defy with Overwatch and Rescue to get help. Without the satellite messenger, one or two of us would have had to hike nine miles to get help.”

Harold was carrying a Motorola Defy Satellite Link, a compact and powerful device engineered to enable smartphones to send and receive messages and location data via satellite, bypassing the need for conventional cellular coverage. Armed with this technology, Harold C. swiftly sent an emergency SOS request, which was promptly relayed to the Overwatch x Rescue's Crisis Response Center.

Reacting to the distress signal, the hiker was rapidly airlifted from his precarious position and administered the crucial medical attention he needed. The incident underscored the vital role such technology can play in emergency situations.

“The person that triggered the emergency SOS on his Motorola Defy Satellite Link that resulted in the coordinated rescue of a hiker in distress highlights the importance of being able to seek emergency assistance on grid and off,” stated Greg Pearson, CEO of FocusPoint International. “The two-way messaging capabilities of the Bullitt Satellite Messenger App and the reliability of Skylo’s NTN network contributed greatly to our ability to act quickly and stay engaged throughout the emergency response process.”

Overwatch x Rescue Offerings

Overwatch x Rescue is an emergency SOS subscription service dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of adventurers and thrill-seekers around the globe. Providing emergency assistance services that range from medical support to crisis response, Overwatch x Rescue leverages cutting-edge technology to offer peace of mind to individuals in even the most remote and challenging environments.