Phone feature leads to increase in emergency calls

Apple and Android recently launched a new feature on their platforms, hoping to ensure the safety of users. The update allows for individuals to make emergency calls when in a tricky situation, a crash, or, on IOS, when cell service is unavailable. Although the feature seems great, it has caused major problems for emergency services receiving the calls.

On Apple's IOS platform, users can make a call with SOS. This will immediately call the local emergency number and share the location with the emergency services. When SOS is in your status bar, a cellular network is available for emergency calls. The new feature also allows for the addition of emergency contacts, who will be alerted after an SOS call ends. The iPhone will send the most recent location, and for a short time after entering emergency mode, a listed contact will receive updates when the location changes.

For the newest operating system, 14 and up, phones can use emergency SOS via satellite to text local fire departments, police, and EMTs, when cellular and wi-fi coverage is unavailable. As well as cellular calls, newer iPhones have very easy steps to call proper help. Users may do so by holding the side button and one of the volume buttons until the emergency SOS slider appears, then drag the slider and continue to hold it down while a countdown begins with alert sounds. After these steps, the phone will call for help if buttons are released after the countdown. Model 14 and 14 pro will call emergency services and send a message to listed contacts if a car crash is detected.

With earlier models, rapidly press the side button until the emergency slider appears.

Next, drag the SOS slider to call. After the call ends, the phone will send a test with the location to emergency contacts, unless the test is canceled. If location services are off, it will temporarily turn on while in the emergency situation mode. When the location changes, contacts will get updates and a notification about 10 minutes later.

Android users are also affected by the SOS update, with the process being similar to that of IOS users.

To activate help, press the power button five times in quick succession. Much like the

iPhone, Android also allows for the addition of emergency contacts.

To do so, open the settings app, scroll down and tap safety and emergency. Next, tap emergency contact and press add contact, finally select emergency contacts from the contact list.

If emergency contacts are not in the list, add the contact first, then select them.

Similar to IOS, car crash detection is a feature of this software, as well.

Despite the flaws of the update, it has proved useful in many different scenarios, such as that of a stranded hiker. Juana Reyes was hiking a remote path in Trail Canyon Falls in the Angeles National Forest when she suffered an accident. Part of the trail collapsed and she broke her leg.

The hiker was in a horrendous situation with no cell service. However, her iPhone had SOS satellite features and alerted the Los Angeles County Fire Department Air Operations Section of her location.

Reyes is not the only one spared by the software, as three other phones have done this, one in the same area. Other users have been helped by the car crash-detection feature, alerting authorities to lost, broken down, or crashed vehicles.

Although the features have helped, they have also caused problems for authorities. With the IOS update, when an iPhone drops hard, shakes or buttons get hit, the SOS feature will activate.

Local authorities have been flooded with calls from users who aren't aware of their misdialing and are "mortified" upon learning of their pocket dial.

No phone users are spared, as the Android emergency feature can be activated if buttons are pushed on accident, users attempt to lower the volume or phones are thrown into bags.

Local dispatch centers are having issues as they are receiving a dangerous influx of misdials. Operators are not allowed to hang up, in the event it is an emergency situation, and must send the proper branches of safety enforcement if a caller does not say anything in response.

Local sheriff's offices and dispatch centers are releasing tips and tricks on the best ways to deal with these "butt-dials."

Tips offered include disabling inactive phones, as phones can still call 911 if they are connected to a charger and powered on. Parents are encouraged to discuss the dangers of calling the local enforcement on accident, for all those who have access to the play phones.

The best way to ensure you will not be pocket-dialing SOS services, is to turn off the emergency settings on a phone, for both IOS and Android. Open the settings app, find emergency SOS and turn off the feature by toggling the sliders from green to gray for the IOS platform.

Android operators should select the safety app in settings and tap the features tab at the bottom of the screen. Then tap on the card that says car-crash detection,and turn it off by tapping the slider.

Perhaps the most effective way of ensuring the feature will not be enacted is to turn off the setting when in a bumpy activity, such as an amusement park; otherwise, leave the phone in a safe place.

Airplane mode may also be activated, as calls can not be made in this setting.

IOS and Google made these software programs to help users feel safer when in precarious situations. Although meant for the greater good, they have caused a large influx of danger to dispatch centers, which need to keep the lines open for real emergencies.

If the feature is activated, stay on the line and talk to the dispatcher to address the misdial, as they have a duty to make sure individuals are safe.