Google has unveiled a groundbreaking Emergency Location Service (ELS) for Android users in Canada, revolutionizing emergency response. This innovative feature automatically shares your phone's precise location with first responders when contacting emergency services like 911. Unlike traditional methods, ELS ensures fast and accurate location data, potentially saving lives.
How ELS Works ?
ELS operates seamlessly in the background, sending location information only during emergency calls or texts.
By leveraging various signals like GPS, Wi-Fi, and cell towers, ELS provides accurate location details both indoors and outdoors.
Privacy is paramount, as location computation occurs locally on the device and is directly transmitted to emergency services.
The Impact:
ELS has already proven its effectiveness, aiding in critical situations like a Lithuanian boy's emergency call that led to a life-saving rescue within a 6-meter radius.
With ELS active in over 20 countries worldwide, its expansion continues to enhance emergency response globally.
Looking Ahead:
Google's commitment to improving ELS includes plans for dispatchable addresses and floor numbers, enabling even faster response times.
The ultimate goal is to deploy ELS in more countries, ensuring that this technology reaches and assists as many people as possible.
Google's ELS is not just a feature; it's a lifeline that exemplifies technology's power to make a real difference in emergency situations.
How To Enable Emergency Location Service On Android ?
To enable the Emergency Location Service (ELS) on your Android device, follow these steps:
- Open your phone's Settings app.
- Tap on Location or Security & Location.
- Tap on Location services or Google Location Accuracy.
- Look for Emergency Location Service or Google Emergency Location Service.
- Turn on the Emergency Location Service or Google Emergency Location Service
Once enabled, ELS will automatically share your phone's precise location with emergency services like 911 when you make an emergency call or text. It uses a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, cell towers, and sensor data to provide accurate location information both indoors and outdoors
Some Key Points About ELS:
- It works on over 99% of Android devices with Google Play services support
- Google does not view or handle the location sent to emergency services
- Users can turn off ELS in Settings if desired
- ELS is free to use and aims to help first responders locate Android users faster in emergencies
By enabling this feature, you can potentially save valuable time and improve emergency response in critical situations.
What Is The Difference Between Emergency Location Service And Emergency Sos On Android ?
The Emergency Location Service (ELS) and Emergency SOS on Android are two distinct features designed to assist users in emergency situations. Here's a summary of each feature and their differences:
Emergency Location Service (ELS):
-
ELS is a feature that automatically shares your phone's precise location
with emergency services like 911 when you make an emergency call or text
-
It uses a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, cell towers, and sensor data to provide
accurate location information both indoors and outdoors
- ELS is designed to help first responders locate you quickly and accurately, potentially saving lives in critical situations.
Emergency SOS:
Emergency SOS is a feature that allows you to quickly call for help and alert your emergency contacts in a crisis situation. When you activate Emergency SOS, your phone will call the local emergency number and send a message to your emergency contacts with your location
You can also add a message to be sent along with your location.
Key differences:
Purpose: ELS is specifically designed to provide accurate location information to emergency services during an emergency call or text, while Emergency SOS is a broader feature that allows you to quickly call for help and alert your emergency contacts.
-
Activation: ELS is automatically activated when you contact emergency
services, whereas Emergency SOS requires manual activation by the user
-
Location sharing: ELS shares your location directly with emergency services,
whereas Emergency SOS shares your location with your designated emergency
contacts
- Scope: ELS is typically used for emergency situations where a precise location is crucial, such as medical emergencies or accidents, whereas Emergency SOS can be used in a wider range of situations, including personal safety concerns or other crises.
In summary, while both features are designed to assist in emergency situations, ELS is focused on providing accurate location information to emergency services, whereas Emergency SOS is a more general feature that allows you to quickly call for help and alert your emergency contacts.
How To Test If Emergency Location Service Is Working On Android ?
To test if the Emergency Location Service (ELS) is working on your Android device, follow these steps:
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Ensure ELS is enabled on your device: Go to your phone's Settings app, then navigate to Location or Security & Location. Look for Emergency Location Service or Google Emergency Location Service and turn it on if it's not already enabled
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Check if ELS is supported in your region: ELS is available in many countries, but its availability may vary depending on your location. Check with your local emergency services or mobile carrier to see if ELS is supported in your area
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Test ELS with a simulated emergency call: You can test ELS by making a simulated emergency call. This will allow you to see if your device is sending its location to emergency services without actually placing a real emergency call. The exact steps for testing ELS may vary depending on your device and location, so you may need to consult with your mobile carrier or local emergency services for specific instructions.
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Verify location accuracy: During the test, check if your device is sending an accurate location to emergency services. This can be done by checking the location information sent during the simulated emergency call. If the location is not accurate, you may need to adjust your device's location settings or check for any software updates that may improve location accuracy.
- Consult with local emergency services: If you're unsure about how to test ELS or need further assistance, you can contact your local emergency services or mobile carrier for guidance. They may be able to provide more detailed instructions or offer additional support for testing ELS on your Android device.
Remember that ELS is a critical service designed to help emergency responders locate you quickly in emergency situations. While testing ELS can help ensure it's working correctly, it's essential to only use it for actual emergencies to avoid unnecessary calls to emergency services.