St. Charles County Emergency Communications recently upgraded its 911 system by integrating RapidSOS, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The county reported RapidSOS enables them to locate 911 callers who are using Apple’s iOS 12 on their iPhones by using Hybridized Emergency Location information. The technology pinpoints the location of the caller within three feet, and allows for the faster dispatch of police, fire and EMS resources.
“The safety of our residents and visitors is a priority for St. Charles County Government,” county executive Steve Ehlmann said. “Our new Emergency Operations Center…is equipped with the latest technology to maintain and support the county’s Next Generation 911 phone system and digital P25 radio system.”
How does RapidSOS make an impact? Without the technology, dispatchers first receive the address of a cell tower with which the caller’s phone is affiliated. Typically, in approximately 30 seconds, the system will provide updated location information, which is generally within 50 feet of the caller’s location. With RapidSOS technology, the caller’s actual location is provided almost instantly and is accurate within approximately three feet, reported the Post-Dispatch.
Apple has made RapidSOS the default and there is no additional cost for those with iPhones who have downloaded iOS 12 and have location services enabled. Google also announced it will be partnering with RapidSOS by the end of the year. Comments? Email us.
November 13, 2018
