Google Messages gets a feature that could save your life

Google announced a new partnership with RapidSOS that could end up saving your life. This important partnership will allow Android users to send messages to 911 emergency call centers via Rich Communication Services (RCS). This new feature will be rolled out later this winter.

Starting today, you can contact 911 via text message, but only in certain locations. It’s only available to about 53% of emergency call centers in the United States, and since it’s text-only, you get all the usual limitations that come with it.

By using RCS in Google Messages to communicate with emergency call centers, users will be able to see read receipts and input indicators from first responders. This will eliminate the worry of whether their message has actually been delivered to someone who can help them.

With RCS, you will also be able to send high-resolution photos and videos. Doing this in an emergency situation can result in faster help and a more effective response from emergency responders.

Finally, you’ll also be able to “automatically share your precise location and additional information via the Android Emergency Location Service.” These additional details may include vital information such as your spoken language as well as your medical information, which is optional. When this additional information is provided, emergency responders will know exactly where to go and will get useful details about you, which is helpful when you cannot physically respond.

Through this partnership with RapidSOS, RCS support will be rolled out to emergency call centers in the United States starting this winter. The service will be made available free of charge to all 911 agencies in the United States. This is part of Google’s ambitious goal to make RCS the standard for texting by emergency services everywhere.

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