Google's newest feature can now help users contact 911 more efficiently and conveniently, as it can directly share important details with responders, such as pictures, location, and videos.
Google stated that the service is especially valuable when victims cannot contact the police, fire department, or paramedics by phone. It has partnered with emergency technology startup RapidSOS to launch the critical service.
RapidSOS announced that RCS-based text-to-911 will be made free of charge to all 911 agencies across the United States. In a joint statement made on Thursday, the duo also announced that the option to text 911 with RCS (rich communication services) will be available to US emergency call centers this winter.
Using RCS to reach first responders directly confirms the delivery of the user's emergency request and shows users whether emergency personnel are actively responding to their communications.
Furthermore, the ability to communicate high-resolution photographs and videos will help first responders better understand the emergency scenario.
People may also share their exact position automatically via the Android emergency location service, which can help shorten emergency response time.
Apple's 911 Contacting Features
According to sources, the disclosure comes only days before Apple anticipates introducing RCS support for iOS 18. It is expected to be the "biggest" iPhone upgrade in the company's history.
Apple surprised everyone in October last year by announcing that RCS functionality would arrive on iPhones this year.
These new 911 features are not the first of their kind, as new and better options to contact emergency services have long been a significant feature in most devices.
Apple Watch Fall Detection
Most notably, Apple Watch's fall detection automatically contacts 911 if certain conditions are met. One user was particularly thankful after the watch saved his life by calling 911 during an accident.
A Midtown West real estate broker, Eric Zollinger recalled his harrowing encounter while riding a Citi Bike home from work amid a heavy rainstorm.
His bike became wedged in a water-filled pothole, causing him to collapse onto the pavement. Despite his face and knee injuries, Zollinger took his bike home to check the damage.
His nose began bleeding a lot as he was showering, causing dizziness, collapsing, and hitting the tub. To his surprise, Zollinger awoke to a 911 operator speaking to him via his Apple Watch, which had automatically called 911 and alerted his emergency contacts to his location.
When Zollinger fell in the shower, the Apple Watch's fall detection function alerted him to help. Despite being hospitalized, scans found no shattered bones, thus he was discharged.
Zollinger appreciates his Apple Watch's fall detection feature for preventing more injury despite bruising and swelling.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury-related fatalities among those 65 and older. Because of this risk, fall detection systems, such as the one on the Apple Watch, are popular. These technologies can assist older people in seeking emergency medical treatment, but they cannot prevent or detect all falls.
