According to a report from new york timesSurvivors of a devastating avalanche near Lake Tahoe this week used Emergency SOS via satellite on their iPhones to stay in touch with first responders.
This is the latest example of how Apple’s Emergency SOS and the satellite capabilities of iPhone and Apple Watch can save lives.
Emergency SOS via satellite for iPhone and Apple Watch
Don O’Keefe, law enforcement director for the California Department of Emergency Services, said the six avalanche survivors used emergency SOS via satellite to communicate with the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office.
“One of my staff members was in contact with one of the guides for four hours, relaying information back to the Nevada Sheriff’s Office and coordinating what kind of rescue would be allowed,” O’Keefe told reporters Wednesday. The skiers were part of a group of 15 people on a multi-day trip through the Sierra Nevada mountains. Six people survived, but eight died. Officials say one person is still missing and is believed to have died. CNN.
Emergency SOS via satellite is supported on iPhone 14 and later and Apple Watch Ultra 3. This feature is triggered when a user does not have a mobile phone or Wi-Fi connection and attempts to contact emergency services.
The user is then presented with a survey that collects information about the emergency. Your iPhone will guide you through the process of where to point your iPhone or Apple Watch to connect to the satellite. This feature is free for two years after activation on iPhone 14 or later or Apple Watch Ultra 3.
The satellite connection on your iPhone and Apple Watch can also be used to send iMessage and SMS messages, and share your location with Find My.
Over the past few years, we have seen countless examples where emergency SOS via satellite capabilities has saved lives.
Apple provides detailed support documentation on how to use satellite connectivity features on iPhone and Apple Watch. We encourage you to read this and try out the demo features in the Settings app. You never know when you might need these features.
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