I am tasked with finding an emergency communication device for communal use for an off the grid group of cabins.
We are a group of 11 small cabins in North Eastern California, no power or cell service. Closest cell service is 1.5 to 5 miles away via dirt road and depending on cell provider. At least an hour from the hospital by ambulance, so 2 hour minimum from call to hospital.
We are served by air by either California Highway Patrol helicopter or private ambulance helicopter ($$$$).
I would like to know what would be a practical sat device to purchase that we could store under combination lock for the people to call for help in case of medical emergency. I would like some limited two way comm, even text, to describe the nature of attention desired, i.e. Heart attack, stroke, drowning, gunshot, power tool mishap etc.
And an (separate) infrared becon for night landing assistance possibly?
A use based subscription would be ideal. (until a teenager discover how to use it to stay in touch with their friends.) Sigh.
I know there have been tremendous advances in this are recently, but I have no idea where to begin looking. I figure the Brain Trust here would be a great start. Thank You!

Check out Iridium, they make sat-phones and satcom systems:

https://www.iridium.com/

If cell service is 1.5-5miles away why not a cell repeater with a yagi antenna?

Spot X messenger is what you're looking for.

Is anyone in the group a ham radio operator, and is there a 2M repeater nearby with an autopatch? Autopatch lets you patch into a phone line and dial.

Additionally, I know some people who have big enough boats, sail or power, to cruise the oceans, and many have purchased, or rent as needed, a satellite phone. Perhaps there is a sailing forum you can ask.

How much are you willing to spend, both in up front equipment costs and monthly costs?

Also, would something like a Spot work if it's just for getting an EMCOM message through?

https://www.cabelas.com/produc...AvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

quote:

And an (separate) infrared becon for night landing assistance possibly?

Not sure about your area, but in my area Emergency Services Helos won't land where there is not a certified ground crew present, i.e. a fire department on the ground who knows what they are doing and won't get them hung up on hazards etc.

I used an Iridium a few times overseas and it was pretty simple to operate. Point it to the sky, move it until the beep gets loud and solid, and connect with the laptop. Speed was acceptable. Price...well I wasn't paying so I have no idea. But it worked well.

We have 4 Iridium units at work (3 handheld, one base [handheld in "docking station with roof mount antenna"]).

Connection rate is about 99% first time of our weekly tests. We wait about 10 minutes, try again and are successful.

As mbinky said, easy to use.

PC

I would challenge either OP needs to move closer to civilization or needs to accept the reality of living so far from it.

There's no need for anything that's just infrared because you're not try to be sneaky. Overt light signals will work better anyway.

I don't know whether civilian/private angencies fly with night vision.

I use a DeLorme InReach for back country and international travel. InReach was purchased by Garmin, but my InReach device still works alongside the newer Garmin branded devices.

It has the added benefit of transmitting GPS data when you send any message, and it has a dedicated SOS button that sends a message to a monitored rescue center.

I echo some of the comments about ham radio, or using a yagi antenna to connect to the nearest cell service.

As for air evacuation, you might look into a membership at CalStar.

https://calstar.org/

Oh, and a pet peeve? We used the Iridium because the two little comm guys couldn't establish a channel with a case of empty soup cans and a ball of twine on a good day.

Ugg.

You can rent a satellite phone for communication similar to a cell phone.
No power - you will need solar panels. I have used Goal Zero for lights and solar panels. Lanterns work great- enuf light to tie fishing flies with.
Satellite phones are on a rental basis. Use as much or as little as you want- sold in block time usage, an hour , etc.
Enjoy being off grid.