Google mentioned right this moment it’s partnering with RapidSOS, a platform for emergency first responders, to allow customers to contact 911 by way of RCS (Wealthy Messaging Service).
The corporate famous that with RapidSOS’s resolution, it is going to begin deploying the know-how this winter to customers the place text-to-911 capabilities aren’t accessible. Initially, this function might be accessible solely to Google Messages customers.
In keeping with AccesSOS, a non-profit engaged on emergency contact, solely 54% of 911 name facilities within the U.S. present text-to-911 providers. So, Google’s new function will assist customers who’re caught in areas the place they may not be capable to get in contact with emergency providers by way of name or textual content. As this function relies on RCS, which allows wealthy messaging and media help, customers can ship photos and movies to emergency providers for higher context.
“Emergency texting with RCS in Google Messages will bring critical safety communications capabilities previously unavailable to users when they need it most,” Elmar Weber, GM of Android Business Communications, mentioned in a press release.
“Our goal is to make RCS the standard for emergency services texting everywhere, and we’re inviting the ecosystem to partner with us to provide reliable emergency messaging for everyone.”
Google mentioned that 911 with RCS additionally allows customers to verify the supply of their messages and test if first responders are actively responding to them. Plus, Android’s emergency location providers can present info reminiscent of correct location and gadget language to emergency responders to raised assist folks in want and opt-in medical info.
