Device functionality during SOS

I do not know the answer to the question about pairing. I do not see why it would NOT be available, but I don't know for sure.

In general, full messaging and navigation functionality remains available in SOS mode. The message exchange with GEOS is just another message thread. The device does tend to keep the SOS thread in the forefront so you don't lose track of it. But you can definitely exchange messages with other parties.

Thank you for insight. I assumed all functionality was available, until I reviewed a couple of webinars and heard the Garmin rep mention specifically that other messaging was available in both webinars. Seemed odd that he was so specific.

Would guess that they mentioned this specifically because it was a thing in which most people would be interested. They might have gotten questions about it in the past.

I recognized that as one possibility and that has been my opinion for some time.  More recently, I wondered how it would actually work if I was on some page, say Main Menu, and then triggered an SOS, and was awaiting a response.  If, while waiting, I hit the QUIT button, would it take me back to the Main Menu or the page before the Main Menu?  If I'm back in the Main Menu, how do I return to the SOS message?  Do I hit the SOS button again or IR Messages?

There really isn't an SOS page (I have a 66i, which has an SOS icon within the Main Menu, but it just pops up a text with instructions to use side button for SOS), so does it act like a second IR Message page, except it isn't visible and can't be edited? If so, it would be remembered as a page in a sequence of pages. Otherwise, it's not clear how to return to it.

The fact that these sorts of questions weren't addressed in the webinars nor in the manual, made me wonder if one should leave SOS, once it's been triggered.

I no longer remember the messy details. As I said, the device keeps the SOS "conversation" in the forefront. My (vague, and probably unreliable) recollection is that there is a direct way to return to the SOS conversation. if all else fails, you can get to it from the "messages" list. From that perspective, it's just another thread.

IMO, you are overthinking this. It's not a problem. 

Yes, I've concluded (until I learn otherwise) that the SOS is just a second, specialized IR Message app.  Once the unique, initial steps are complete (lights, sounds, countdown, Preset Message sent), it's no different than any other app.  I think to return to it after going into another app, just hit the SOS button again.  It won't initiate another SOS because the original one hasn't been cancelled.

It would be nice if that was explained somewhere (assuming I'm correct).

Thanks for the assistance!

You can request a real test and try everything you want. I have done it and it works very well. iercc.com/en-US/test-device/

Yes, I knew I could request a test, but I thought someone who had experience with using the SOS could answer me with far less effort.  So does the device retain full functionality during an SOS?

Yes