iPhone's Emergency SOS via satellite feature helped the authorities rescue a stranded family in Mt. Hood National Forest in Oregon.
One of the family members managed to use the Emergency SOS feature on their iPhone and reached emergency dispatchers to start a 24-hour rescue process.
(Photo : Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue)
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iPhone Emergency SOS Saves Hikers on Oregon
In a press release, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue team initiated an operation following the reports of a missing family in the forest. At around 7:30 p.m., a member of the family managed to work on Apple's emergency feature.
According to the report, the family had already hiked around eight miles and gained more than 3,500 feet in elevation. The Search and Rescue team had a hard time rescuing the family due to the weather conditions and terrain.
The family of hikers was comprised of four adults and two minors. The team was able to reach the family the next day around 6 a.m. However, they were only transported back to the command post along Highway 26 at around 7:30 p.m. due to weather conditions.
The reports also showed that the family was "cold, wet, and dehydrated, but otherwise okay" when they were found. The authorities then reminded all the hikers to be prepared for unexpected weather conditions and bring enough resources.
iPhone Emergency SOS Proves Efficiency on Rescue Search
Apple's Emergency SOS via satellite is currently available on iPhone 14 or later models. The feature can be used to text emergency services, especially when outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.
"If the call [911] doesn't go through, tap Emergency Text via Satellite to text emergency services. You can also go to the Messages app and text 911 or SOS, then tap Emergency Services," Apple advised.
Apple also created a compression algorithm that makes messages three times smaller for faster and more efficient communication, regardless of the bandwidth situation.
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