Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/RapidSOS
Technology saves lives, and the most straightforward proof is how your smartphone can automatically call 911 in case of an accident. Apple has been making a big deal about this feature, but Android devices have also been offering collision detection for several years.
Now, Google is introducing another emergency feature on Android, and drivers will undoubtedly find it helpful, too.
The search giant has partnered with RapidSOS to expand the support for Android ELS (Android Emergency Location Services) to automatically provide the 911 operator with the health information available on your mobile device.
Google allows Android users to save critical health information on their mobile devices (either in the Personal Safety app or in dedicated solutions launched by each OEM), including allergies, medications, emergency contacts, and other vital details. iPhones come with similar capabilities, and users can define all the data in the Health app.
Thanks to this partnership, when someone with an Android device calls 911, they have the option to automatically share all these details with the operator. The dispatcher can provide the first responders with all the data, so when they reach you, they're already prepared for the case.
The first step towards using this feature is to fill in the required information in the Personal Safety app available on your mobile device. Make sure you provide as many details as possible, especially in critical fields like allergies. Once the health data is available, you can opt-in for the new feature. It's available on Android 12 and later, so if your smartphone runs an earlier version of the operating system, you must upgrade to use it.
You can find the option to enable the automatic sharing of medical information with 911 operators in the Personal Safety app under Your Info > Emergency info access > Share during emergency calls.
You don't have to be a rocket scientist to imagine the scenarios when this new system could be helpful. Thanks to systems like crash detection, your device can automatically dial 911 when you are involved in an accident. If you're unconscious, the smartphone can share your medical information with the dispatcher.
Additionally, the system also saves time during a normal 911 call, as you no longer have to provide the dispatcher with all the information. The operator automatically receives the medical data in the RapidSOS console so they can forward it to the first responders who are already rushing to your location.
The feature is already available today on the Google Pixel and a bunch of other Android OEM devices, but RapidSOS says it's already working with more companies to support it. Further information should be shared soon, and the easiest way to determine if it's already live on your device is to look in the Personal Safety app.
The search giant has partnered with RapidSOS to expand the support for Android ELS (Android Emergency Location Services) to automatically provide the 911 operator with the health information available on your mobile device.
Google allows Android users to save critical health information on their mobile devices (either in the Personal Safety app or in dedicated solutions launched by each OEM), including allergies, medications, emergency contacts, and other vital details. iPhones come with similar capabilities, and users can define all the data in the Health app.
Thanks to this partnership, when someone with an Android device calls 911, they have the option to automatically share all these details with the operator. The dispatcher can provide the first responders with all the data, so when they reach you, they're already prepared for the case.
The first step towards using this feature is to fill in the required information in the Personal Safety app available on your mobile device. Make sure you provide as many details as possible, especially in critical fields like allergies. Once the health data is available, you can opt-in for the new feature. It's available on Android 12 and later, so if your smartphone runs an earlier version of the operating system, you must upgrade to use it.
You can find the option to enable the automatic sharing of medical information with 911 operators in the Personal Safety app under Your Info > Emergency info access > Share during emergency calls.
You don't have to be a rocket scientist to imagine the scenarios when this new system could be helpful. Thanks to systems like crash detection, your device can automatically dial 911 when you are involved in an accident. If you're unconscious, the smartphone can share your medical information with the dispatcher.
Additionally, the system also saves time during a normal 911 call, as you no longer have to provide the dispatcher with all the information. The operator automatically receives the medical data in the RapidSOS console so they can forward it to the first responders who are already rushing to your location.
The feature is already available today on the Google Pixel and a bunch of other Android OEM devices, but RapidSOS says it's already working with more companies to support it. Further information should be shared soon, and the easiest way to determine if it's already live on your device is to look in the Personal Safety app.
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