Apple's SOS via satellite saves life at 10,000 feet: What is it? And is it available in India?
The message reached his family, who alerted Mountain Rescue Aspen, and 17 rescuers successfully reached him at 10,980 feet in harsh terrain. This incident reinforces the life-saving impact of Apple's Emergency SOS, a feature that bypasses traditional networks to connect users with help in remote regions. It's a powerful reminder: tech can differentiate between life and danger when we're far from help.
What happened to the mountaineer?
This time, the event concerns a 53-year-old mountaineer who could not move when stranded at a high altitude in the mountains. However, he could use his iPhone's satellite messaging feature to send a distress message, which led to his successful rescue.
KDVR (via Apple Insider) reported that the climber had reached the top of Snowmass Mountain and started to descend by employing glissading, a controlled way of sliding down snow-covered slopes. He sustained a wrist injury during this descent, preventing him from continuing on foot.
He was stuck, alone in a hostile environment, and without access to cellular service or Wi-Fi to call for help. But he messaged a family member using the satellite texting feature on his iPhone. After that, the family member informed Mountain Rescue Aspen and the Pitkin County Sheriff's Office.
His message assisted in his location once the rescue authorities received the information. According to reports, 17 skilled volunteers from Mountain Rescue Aspen were sent out to find and help the climber.
Rescue officials then emphasized the significance of having an emergency communication device in distant places after the tragedy. Apple's satellite messaging function was crucial to the rescue since it allowed the climber to contact rescue personnel even without a cellular connection.
What is iPhone's Emergency SOS via Satellite feature
By pointing the phone skyward and following on-screen instructions, users can send brief messages via satellite using the Emergency SOS feature, which is available on iPhone 14 and later versions.
In order to promptly provide emergency responders with critical information, the system guides users through a series of questions.
Notably, the system eliminates the need for conventional mobile towers by connecting straight to satellites in space. Responders can exchange messages to coordinate rescue efforts after the initial message is issued. In this instance, the satellite-enabled message's speed and clarity probably shortened reaction times and helped to achieve a favorable result.
Is Apple emergency SOS via satellite feature available in India
Notably, only a few nations—including the US, UK, Italy, Japan, and others—have access to this capability. In India, it is not accessible.
How iPhone's Emergency SOS via Satellite works?
Emergency SOS via satellite can assist you in contacting them in dire situations where there are no other options for contacting emergency services. If you phone or text emergency services, your iPhone attempts to connect you via satellite.
You cannot connect because you are in an area without Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity.
You must be outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon to connect to a satellite. Sending or receiving a message via cellular is not the same as using a satellite connection.
Your iPhone 14 or later (all models) may use Emergency SOS via satellite if you're outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage to automatically notify emergency services of a severe car crash or a hard fall if your iPhone or Apple Watch detects one and you're not responding.
How to connect to Emergency SOS via satellite on your iPhone?
In the event that your regular cellular carrier network is unavailable, try dialling 911 or emergency services.
The iPhone only shows the SOS icon and tries to route any emergency calls through other networks, if any are available, if your carrier's cellular network is down.
To text emergency services in the event that the call is unsuccessful, select Emergency Text via Satellite.
Another option is to open the Messages app, select Emergency Services, and then text 911 or SOS.
After selecting Report Emergency, adhere to the prompts displayed on the screen.
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