Rapid SoS and you
As updates to iOS 12 roll out, I want to share some pearls of wisdom from a dispatcher in a county that uses data from Rapid SOS.
Generally speaking, the location information we get from Rapid SoS is spot on, but we can not just assume that it is correct, so we will ask you all the same.
We only recieve this data on incoming calls; if we have to call you back, we don’t get anything. We will have to rely on you for your accurate location information. (This hasn’t changed from all other cell phones)
The coordinates we get are latitude and longitude, so if you’re in a high rise we will not know what floor or elevation. (Same is true for all cells phones at this time, irrespective of Rapid SoS)
Not every jurisdiction will have access to Rapid SoS, and at this time, only newer Apple products with iOS 12 are even capable.
Do not hang up on us, please. If you need to appear as though you aren’t speaking to us, put your phone into your pocket; we know what a pocket sounds like and we can extrapolate that this was done on purpose.
As of today (9/27/18) Rapid SoS doesn’t work when texting 911. Be prepared to give us your address or closest intersection.
