Android already offers a host of features to help you in an emergency. From a nifty gesture that lets you quickly call emergency services to more advanced tools like Car Crash Detection, Emergency Location Service, and Satellite SOS, your Android phone is well-equipped to step in when you’re in a tough spot. Now, Google is adding another useful tool designed to help you share vital visual information with emergency services when you end up in a critical situation.
Google says the new Emergency Live Video feature is designed for simplicity and requires no setup. It allows responders to request a live video feed from your phone’s camera during an emergency call or text if they believe it would help. You’ll then see a prompt appear on your screen, and you can start sharing with a single tap. The company assures that the feed is encrypted by default, and users remain in full control over when the video is shared and when it’s stopped.
The Emergency Live Video feature can be incredibly useful in situations where it’s difficult for the user to describe exactly what’s happening, whether it’s a car accident, medical crisis, or a fast-moving wildfire. By giving responders real-time visuals, it can help them offer more accurate guidance, potentially making a critical difference in life-threatening situations. For instance, if a loved one is experiencing a cardiac arrest or a severe allergic reaction, the video feed can help responders guide you through providing CPR or administering basic first aid until help arrives.
In its press release, Google has confirmed that Emergency Live Video is rolling out to all Android users in the US starting today. However, it will only be available on devices running Android 8 or later with Google Play services installed. It will also be available in select regions of Germany and Mexico, and the company is already working with public safety organizations to expand availability to more regions.