Got a New iPhone? Here's How to Use Apple's Satellite Text-to-911 During an Emergency

So far this winter, Teton County Search & Rescue has been alerted four times via Apple iPhone’s new satellite SOS function. Due to questions surrounding this new technology, we would like to provide some information about best practices regarding how to use this application during a backcountry emergency. 

This PSA is not intended to shame or cast judgment on anyone—we empathize with all those who go through the complicated stress of an emergency—only to provide useful information regarding a new technology that can help serve our backcountry community.

Apple’s satellite text function was introduced in the iPhone 14, released in 2022, and is available in all new iPhones with the IOS 18 update. When activated outside of cellular range, the device connects the user to the nearest satellite in order to send an emergency text message, which is then routed to the Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center. Apple encourages iPhone users to set up a Medical ID and emergency contacts that are included in a SOS text message.

But if you’ve ever used a Garmin inReach or SPOT, you know that messages via satellite are not automatic. Transmission depends on the location of the user in relation to the satellite, and relaying a message often takes longer than what we’re all used to with standard text messaging while in cell range. During the chaos of an emergency, it’s easy to appreciate how complicated this procedure can be, especially if you’ve never used it before.

It’s also important to know that someone outside of the original text thread—such as a SAR member at Incident Command—will not be able to contact you directly with this technology. Contact with the reporting party must be done through dispatch. In other words, the reporting party must initiate the text in order to receive a response.

For those equipped with this capability, Apple recommends going through the demo available on your phone. Familiarize yourself with its functionality, and then remember to include the following info during an emergency:

When texting 911 via satellite with your iPhone, please provide the following:

• Nature of emergency and number of people in party.

• Mechanism of activity (ski, snowmobile, etc.)

• Anything SAR should know (previous medical history, allergies, other hazards, etc.)

And please remember:

• Make sure you have an unobstructed view of the sky and horizon.

• Satellite transmission is not automatic.

• SAR response may take some time.

• Watch for additional questions or instructions via text from the 911 dispatch center.

Avalanche Awareness Night, En Español, Coming Up On January 28

Jackson, Wyo. — For the first time, an avalanche awareness workshop is being held in Spanish in order to reach a broader demographic in Jackson Hole. Presented and organized by a diverse group of educators and backcountry safety advocates from Teton County Search & Rescue, Camina Conmingo, Coombs Outdoors, Exum, Jackson Hole Mountain Guides, and the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center, Noche de Concientización Sobre Avalanchas will take place from 6:00-8:30 p.m. on January 28, at the Virginian’s Wister Hall.

The goal of the event is to increase access to essential safety information for community members for whom Spanish is their preferred language. Based on TCSD #1 demographics, an estimated 40 percent of county residents have a home language other than English, and the majority of those are Spanish-speakers.

"Language access is one of the important first steps in ensuring that everyone in our community has the tools and knowledge they need to make informed decisions in the backcountry,” said Piper Worthington, a language access advocate and event co-coordinator. “This event will be educational, but also a celebration of local people and organizations who have changed the ways we think about who is represented in the outdoor industry."

Presenters will offer a dynamic line-up of content for backcountry users of all levels of experience and modalities, and for those who want to learn and be inspired by our local resources.

No registration required and attendance is free. All attendees get one free raffle ticket upon entry for the chance to win some great prizes at the conclusion of the event. For more information, visit BackcountryZero.com/events.

If you have questions about this event, please reach out to TCSAR Foundation Preventative SAR Manager Maddie Johnson: maddie@tetoncountysar.org.

PRESENTATION AGENDA

Avalanche Awareness: Christian Santelices, IFMGA/AMGA Certified Guide
State of the Snowpack: Laura Gaylord, Coombs Outdoors + Exum Mountain Guides
Emergency Response & First Aid: Ryan Mertaugh, Teton County Search & Rescue + JHMG
Backcountry Panel: Backcountry Program Participants, Coombs Outdoors
Keynote Speaker: Vanessa Chavarriaga Posada
Raffle

See It Here: Photo Gallery & Video Presentations from WYSAW

We know how busy schedules can be. We also appreciate the enormous pull of being outside during one of the last beautiful weekends in October. So it’s understandable if you missed the Wyoming Snow & Avalanche Workshop, which drew an attendance of more than 350 people to the Center for the Arts on October 18-19.

And that’s why we record each and every presentation during the event.

We're happy to announce that the videos are now up online.  Each video is edited into individual presentations, and can be found on our WYSAW page, YouTube, and Vimeo.

With fresh snow on the ground, catching up on WYSAW is an appropriate kickoff to a safe and fun winter in the Tetons. 

We are also including a killer photo gallery from the event. All photos below by Zach Montes from Orijin Media. Images may not be used or reproduced without permission.