Google today announced that it has partnered with emergency responder platform RapidSOS to allow users to contact 911 through RCS (Rich Messaging Service).
The company said it plans to begin rolling out the technology this winter to users in areas where text-to-911 functionality isn't available through RapidSOS' solution. Initially, the feature will only be available to Google Messages users.
According to AccesSOS, a nonprofit emergency communications organization, only 54% of 911 call centers in the U.S. offer text-to-911 services. That's why our new feature will help users who are stranded in areas where they might not be able to reach emergency services by phone or text. The feature is based on RCS, which allows for rich messaging and media support, so users can send photos and videos to emergency services to learn more about what happened.
Image credit: Google
“Emergency texting with RCS in Google Messages gives our users important safety communications capabilities that weren't previously available when they need them most,” Elmer Weber, general manager of Android business communications, said in a statement.
“Our goal is to make RCS the standard for emergency services text messaging everywhere, and we invite the ecosystem to partner with us to bring reliable emergency messaging to everyone.”
According to Google, 911 with RCS will also allow users to confirm delivery of their messages and see if emergency personnel are actively responding. Additionally, Android's Emergency Location Services will provide information, such as your precise location and device language, to emergency responders so they can better assist people in distress or provide medical information.