A hiker who suffered a broken leg while exploring Trail Canyon Falls in the Angelos National Forest was able to call for help even though she was located in an area with no cell phone service, all thanks to the innovative Emergency SOS feature on the iPhone 14.
ABC7 reported that Juana Reyes, accompanied by friends on the hiking trip, encountered a trail collapse that led to her unfortunate injury. "We tried to get a hold of 911 but there was no service on our phones," shared Reyes during an interview.
Fortunately, her iPhone 14 had the SOS satellite feature, which managed to connect her to emergency services through what she assumed were satellites.
The iPhone 14's "Emergency SOS via satellite" feature played a crucial role in this rescue. It allows users to text emergency services when they are in locations with no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
Additionally, the Find My app can be utilized to share one's location via satellite. Following the incident, the injured woman is now recovering at home and is expected to be alright.
This rescue highlights the significance of the Emergency SOS via satellite feature on the iPhone 14, and it is not the first time it has proven invaluable. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) confirmed that Reyes was the third individual rescued with the assistance of an iPhone this year.
What is Emergency SOS Via Satellite?
The functioning of Emergency SOS via satellite involves enabling users to establish contact with emergency services when no other means of communication are available.
If a call or text to emergency services fails due to being outside the range of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, the iPhone attempts to establish a connection via satellite to provide the necessary help.
It is important to note that using a satellite connection differs from regular cellular communication. In optimal conditions with an unobstructed view of the sky and horizon, a message can take around 15 seconds to send, but under tree cover or light foliage, it may take over a minute.
In dense foliage or heavily obstructed areas, satellite connection might not be possible. The quality of the connection can also be influenced by the surrounding environment, message length, and satellite network availability.
For a period of two years after activating an iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro, the Emergency SOS via satellite feature is available free of charge. Moreover, the feature may also automatically notify emergency services in the event of a severe car crash or a hard fall when the user is unresponsive.
How to Use Emergency SOS Via Satellite?
1. Make sure you meet the requirements: You need the specific iOS version for your location (iOS 16.1 or later in the US or Canada, iOS 16.2 or later in certain European countries, or iOS 16.4 or later in other countries).
2. Familiarize yourself with the feature: The Emergency SOS via satellite feature allows you to connect with emergency services when you have no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. It also enables you to share your location via satellite using the Find My app.
3. Set up important information: Before an emergency occurs, it's essential to configure certain settings on your iPhone. Set up your Medical ID and add emergency contacts in the Health app. This information can be shared when using Emergency SOS via satellite.
4. Try the demo: Use the demo in the Settings app to understand how Emergency SOS via satellite works. It does not call emergency services.
5. During an emergency: Press and hold the side button and volume button together until the Emergency SOS slider appears. Slide it to make an emergency call via satellite. Provide your location and emergency details to the operator.
Read Also: Apple Launches iPhone 14 Satellite Connectivity Features in Australia, New Zealand
In Which Countries Is Emergency SOS via Satellite Available?
Emergency SOS via satellite is available in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States. However, it must be noted that availability may vary based on the specific iOS version and the region within these countries.
International travelers can use Emergency SOS via satellite in countries or regions where it is available, except if they purchased their phone in China mainland, Hong Kong, or Macao.
However, it's important to note that Emergency SOS via satellite is not offered on iPhone models bought in these locations. Additionally, it should be noted that satellite connection may not work in areas above 62° latitude, including northern parts of Canada and Alaska.
Related Article: Apple iPhone 14 Emergency SOS via Satellite: US, Canada May Test The Feature-Here's How
