Apple iPhone users will soon have ability to share live video at emergency scenes with dispatchers

With Prepared’s technology, iPhone users can share live video during an Emergency SOS call; dispatchers can also share data with first responders while they’re en route

July 02, 2024 04:11 PM

6681b1c587ae58f9bc3e58bb_New Gra.jpg — The sample images above demonstrate the power of Emergency SOS Live Video. One scenario shows the caller sharing images from their media library, while the other highlights the live video feature. Both options quickly provide dispatchers with a real-time view of the situation from the caller’s perspective.

By Sarah Roebuck
Editorial Staff

With the release of iOS 18 in the fall, iPhone users will have the ability to share live video at emergency scenes with dispatch centers that are equipped with Prepared Live technology, the company announced in a press release.

During an Emergency SOS call, participating dispatchers can request live video or media from a user’s camera roll through a secure connection. By connecting with 911 callers to view live video, share photos, send texts and obtain accurate location information, dispatchers can quickly comprehend the situation and deploy the appropriate first responders, Prepared states. Additionally, Prepared enables dispatchers to share data with police, fire or EMS units while they are en route, expediting response times and easing the burden on 911 staff.

America’s 911 system continues to experience a staffing shortage, with not enough dispatchers to manage the estimated 240 million calls that come into 911 centers each year. A study from NENA: The 911 Association revealed more than 82% of the nation’s 5,700-plus 911 centers are dealing with understaffing, hiring difficulties and retention problems. Prepared’s Assistive AI for 911 enables centers to maximize their resources when every second counts, the company states.

Smartphones contain critical emergency data such as accurate location, photos, videos and text messages that 911 dispatchers need. However, most 911 centers still rely on landline technology, making it difficult to access and process this data, despite 80% of 911 calls coming from wireless devices, according to NENA. Prepared addresses this issue with a browser-based platform that efficiently handles and transmits multi-modal data bi-directionally.

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