Your smartphone might soon be an even more important device in emergencies. Google is collaborating with RapidSOS to bring a life-saving feature to Google Messages: the ability to message 911 emergency call centers using Rich Communication Services (RCS). This new ability will come in the Messages app later this winter and could change how we handle emergency communications.
Right now, texting 911 in an emergency isn’t always an option. Only about half of U.S. emergency responder call centers can receive texts via SMS, and even then, it’s pretty limited. Sending an SMS to 911 can feel like sending a message into a black hole—you don’t know if it’s been seen or when you’ll get a reply.
That’s where RCS in Google Messages comes in. With RCS, you’ll know when your message has been read and see when the responder is typing back. Imagine the peace of mind of knowing your urgent message has been seen and help is on the way. Moreover, you can send high-res photos and videos – it’s a major thing in emergency situations by giving responders a clear picture of what’s going on.
RCS integration means you can automatically share your exact location and other important info through Android’s Emergency Location Service. You can even opt-in to provide extra details like your spoken language and medical information—super important if you can’t speak during an emergency.
Starting this winter, as RCS support begins rolling out to emergency call centers across the U.S., every 911 agency will have access to this technology for free. It’s part of Google’s bigger plan to make RCS the standard for emergency services texting worldwide.