A Girl Scout who fell into a canyon during a hiking trip in Southern California was successfully rescued within hours, thanks to innovative satellite technology that enabled emergency communication. On June 22, 2023, the incident occurred in the remote area of Pico Blanco, located in the Los Padres National Forest near Big Sur. The girl suffered a potentially serious concussion after losing consciousness, but the timely use of satellite communication proved crucial for her rescue.
The rescue was made possible through a direct-to-cell satellite service that allows users to contact emergency services via text messages using standard smartphones, even in areas lacking terrestrial cell phone coverage. This technology has been available for newer iPhone models since late 2022, and earlier this year, T-Mobile expanded the service in partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink satellites. This expansion enabled users with phones less than four years old to send emergency texts to 911.
John Snapp, vice president of technology at Intrado, explained that the system automatically shares the caller’s precise location, enhancing response times during emergencies. Intrado, a public safety communications provider based in Nebraska, developed the infrastructure for integrating satellite communications into the next-generation 911 (NG911) system.
The troop of seven teenage girls and their leaders had been looking forward to an overnight adventure in nature when the situation turned dire. After one girl fell into the canyon, her leaders quickly sent a text message to 911, which was routed through Intrado’s Emergency Call Relay Center (ECRC).
“Previously, someone would have had to hike out to find a spot with cellular service and guide rescuers,” Snapp noted. Given the rugged terrain of Los Padres National Forest, which receives millions of visitors annually, cell phone coverage is often limited.
Jason Davis, ECRC Manager at Intrado, highlighted the challenges of locating individuals in remote areas without reliable communication. “Pinpointing a 911 caller becomes extraordinarily challenging when cellular coverage is weak,” he stated. “In this instance, satellite technology was vital. Without it, the rescue could have taken significantly longer, requiring extensive resources.”
Thanks to the satellite-enabled communication, the ECRC team quickly identified the caller’s location, allowing local first responders to act swiftly. A helicopter was dispatched within minutes to retrieve the injured girl, while a second helicopter followed an hour later to bring the remaining troop members to safety.
Snapp emphasized that terrestrial cellular networks cover only about 80% of the U.S. territory, leaving 20% off-grid, particularly in areas like Los Padres National Forest. This new satellite service marks a significant advancement in emergency response capabilities in such regions.
Starlink, which currently operates a fleet of approximately 8,000 satellites, aims to provide broadband connectivity to remote locations worldwide. More than 500 of these satellites enable direct-to-cell text messaging. Other companies, including Vodafone and AT&T, are also working on similar satellite services to enhance connectivity in hard-to-reach areas.
“The key is that these services now operate seamlessly on standard smartphones,” Snapp explained. “The satellite functions like another cell tower, providing coverage wherever people are.” This technology is poised to be transformative for adventurers and those in maritime environments beyond cellular reach.
In conclusion, the successful rescue of the Girl Scout underscores the life-saving potential of modern satellite communication technology, especially in remote areas where traditional cell service is unreliable. As these services become more widespread, they promise to enhance safety for outdoor enthusiasts and others in emergencies around the globe.
