What is an SOS in the mountains?

What is an SOS in the mountains?

SOS is the international distress and rescue signal, used to call for help in emergency situations. In the mountains, it can be transmitted in various ways to alert rescuers, guides, or emergency teams.

📌 Ways to transmit an SOS in the mountains:

1. Morse Code: Three dots, three dashes, and three dots (··· — ···), using a whistle, flashlight, or radio.

2. Visual Signals:

   • Flashing lights (3 long, 3 short, 3 long).

   • Mirrors, bonfires, or movements visible from the air.

3. Audible Signals:

   • Three long whistles, three short whistles, three long whistles with a whistle or horn.

4. Modern Technology:

   • Satellite phones, GPS devices with an SOS button, or satellite messengers (e.g., Garmin inReach, SPOT).

🎯 Importance in mountain rescues

• It indicates that a life is in danger or that a critical situation exists requiring immediate intervention (accidents, falls, avalanches, altitude sickness, disorientation).

• Its use must be responsible and exclusive to real emergencies, as it activates the mobilization of rescue brigades.

• In mountain rescues, the communication chain must be better specified:

  • 📡 Who receives the signal (local rescuers, PNP, Andean Rescue).

  • 🛰️ How the location is transmitted (GPS, satellite, repeaters).

  • 🏥 Where the evacuation is coordinated (hospitals, helicopters, base camps).

📡 Communication and rescue devices in high mountains

1. 📞 Satellite Phones

   • Satellite network: Iridium, Inmarsat, Thuraya.

   • Voice calls and SMS from any remote location.

   • Examples: Iridium 9555 / 9575 Extreme, Inmarsat IsatPhone 2.

2. 📍 GPS Devices with an SOS button

   • Portable and lightweight.

   • Send real-time location to rescue centers.

   • Examples: Garmin inReach (Mini, Explorer+), SPOT Gen4, ZOLEO.

3. 🚨 Emergency Beacons – PLB (Personal Locator Beacon)

   • Connection to the COSPAS-SARSAT network.

   • Single-button activation.

   • Resistant to cold and moisture.

4. 📡 High-Frequency Radios (HF / VHF / UHF)

   • Communication with nearby teams or base camps.

   • Useful for group coordination.

   • Limitation: reduced range without repeaters.

5. 🚁 Drones with transmission (advanced use)

   • Aerial search in inaccessible areas.

   • Transmission of images and location of victims.

🏔️ Recommendations in extreme zones

• ✅ Combine a satellite phone with a GPS device with an SOS button.

• ✅ Use external batteries and portable solar panels.

• ✅ Train guides and porters in emergency communication protocols.

⚡ Energy and autonomy in communications

• Portable solar panels, external batteries, and lightweight generators.

• Optimize charging in extreme climates (cold reduces battery capacity).

• Maintain an energy redundancy plan for critical equipment.

🌐 Starlink in the High Mountains

The Starlink system (SpaceX) offers high-speed satellite internet even in mountain ranges.

✅ Main uses in expeditions and rescues:

• Real-time communication via WhatsApp, email, or video calls.

• Coordination with hospitals, helicopters, and rescue teams.

• Transmission of weather reports and location.

• Connection for clients and guides at base camp.

⚠️ Considerations:

• Requires constant power (solar panels or generators).

• Weight/volume: it is installed at base camp, not on summits.

• Does not replace a satellite phone or GPS SOS in immediate emergencies. 👉 In summary: Starlink guarantees stable internet in the high mountains, strengthening safety and coordination in rescues.