Emergency platforms RapidSOS and Prepared recently shared their plans to integrate with the new Emergency SOS Live Video functionality in iOS 18. That means most 911 calls will include the option to share video with dispatchers, like a FaceTime call. And that will help responders assess the scene and prepare to help in the best way.
Emergency platforms RapidSOS and Prepared get ready to integrate with iOS 18 SOS Live Video
Following Apple’s iOS 18 unveiling at WWDC24, emergency platforms RapidSOS and Prepared said they would integrate with the new SOS Live Video capability, CNET reported Wednesday. This development means that when calling 911 from an iPhone running iOS 18, users may receive a request to initiate live video sharing or send photos over a secure connection. That will give dispatchers a much better idea of how to respond to the scene.
“Participating emergency dispatchers will be able to send requests for live video or photos, significantly enhancing their ability to assess and respond to emergencies,” RapidSOS wrote in a recent blog post. The company plans to offer this feature at no additional cost to its existing emergency services customers.
Wide impact
The impact of this update is expected to be far-reaching, with RapidSOS claiming it will cover 99% of the U.S. population. This is particularly significant given that the National Emergency Number Association reports that in many areas, at least 80% of 911 calls originate from mobile devices.
Prepared, another emergency platform, is readying a similar integration. It highlighted how the technology will enable dispatchers to share crucial data with first responders. That will let police, fire and emergency services better-prepare while en route to an incident.
“By connecting with 911 callers to see live video, share photos, send texts and get fast, accurate location information, dispatchers can quickly understand the situation, and dispatch appropriate first responders,” Prepared wrote. “Prepared also allows dispatchers to share data with police, fire or EMS to assess emergencies while en route, which helps expedite response while reducing the burden on 911 staff.”
Joins a host of other Apple safety features
This enhancement to 911 calls is part of Apple’s broader strategy to incorporate safety and emergency features into its devices. It complements existing technologies such as emergency satellite communication, car crash detection, fall detection and heart rate monitoring on various iPhone and Apple Watch models.
When announcing the SOS emergency video feature as part of iOS 18, Apple emphasized its goal to make emergency assistance easier and faster to access. As the fall release of iOS 18 approaches, the new 911 video call capability stands out as a potentially life-saving advancement.
