A stranded survivor of a deadly avalanche in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains used his iPhone’s emergency SOS feature to call for help.
Eight skiers confirmed dead in California avalanche
Eight of the nine skiers missing in an avalanche in California’s Sierra Nevada have been found dead.
Survivors of the catastrophic avalanche in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains that killed at least eight people were rescued after using an emergency feature available on some iPhones.
iPhone’s Emergency SOS feature lets you send a message to emergency responders when cellular signal, data, or Wi-Fi is unavailable. Six people out of a group of 15 survived the Feb. 17 avalanche near Lake Tahoe, but were left stranded in a severe winter storm.
Six people were rescued from the remote area several hours later, two with non-life-threatening injuries. Eight people were found dead, but their bodies have not yet been recovered from the mountain. One skier is still missing, but was presumed dead as of authorities’ latest update on February 18.
The only surviving guide from the company that organized the trip used his iPhone’s SOS feature to send a text message to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, which dispatched trained rescue personnel to the scene. The group also used signals from so-called avalanche beacons, which allow skiers to send out radio signals that can be tracked by first responders. The guide informed authorities that there were six survivors and was told they needed to evacuate to the area as soon as possible.
Don O’Keefe, law enforcement director for the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, said SOS capabilities can be a useful tool in emergencies, along with tools like beacons.
But not all iPhone owners have access to Emergency SOS via satellite. Here’s what you need to know about this feature and how to use it.
What is Emergency SOS on iPhone? Does my phone have it?
The SOS feature uses satellites to connect users in dire situations to emergency services. If a signal isn’t available, your iPhone will try to connect to the satellite. Apple says for it to work, people need to be outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon.
Not all iPhone users have access to this feature. Available only on iPhone models 14 and later. Apple says you’ll also need to be running iOS 16.1 or later in the U.S., but emergency numbers in some regions require 16.4 or later.
This feature is available free of charge for two years from the time of activation on compatible devices.
USA TODAY has reached out to Apple for comment.
How to use the SOS function
Sending text messages using satellites is not the same as sending regular text messages. It may take some time and you may need to move to maintain the connection. That’s because “satellites move fast, have low bandwidth, and are located hundreds of miles from Earth,” Apple says.
Here’s how to use this feature:
- First, Apple says you need to be outdoors with a clear view of the sky and horizon.
- Next, try calling the emergency number.
- If you are out of range and can’t get through, you can press the “Emergency Text” button.
- Then tap (Report an Emergency) and answer a few questions to explain your situation.
Once connected, a text conversation with emergency services will begin. They will receive information such as an emergency survey, medical ID information or emergency contact information (if configured), location, and battery level.
On-screen instructions may ask you to turn in a different direction to maintain the connection.
In clear conditions with a direct view of the sky and horizon, it can take approximately 30 seconds to send a message. It may take more than a minute if trees are blocking your view. If there is thick wood cover, it may not work at all.
Do other phones offer satellite communication?
Google says its Pixel 9 and newer devices, excluding the Pixel 9a, also have satellite capabilities that can be used in emergencies when no other signal is available.
Its version, Satellite SOS, works similarly, but requires a clear view of the sky with as few obstacles as possible. If you dial 911 and there is no connection, your phone will give you the option to use this feature.
Some carriers also have off-grid emergency communication options. T-Mobile offers T-Satellite with Starlink to help you stay connected to certain apps even when regular signal isn’t available.
