A relatively new iPhone feature has proven it's more than just a pocket pal, it has the potential to save lives.
Apple's Emergency SOS via Satellite feature was introduced with the iPhone 14 over a year ago and has already demonstrated its incredible value. The life-saving technology came to the aid of three Brigham Young University students who found themselves stranded in Utah's San Rafael Swell Recreation area in April 2023.
According to KUTV, the students were canyoneering when they became trapped in deep water. Unable to escape for hours, the crew were dealing with the early stages of hypothermia.
One of the students, Jeremy Mumford, recalled that the group had thoroughly researched the canyon before their adventure.
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'We knew it was going to be a technical canyon so we came prepared,' Mumford described.
However, their day took a turn when they landed themselves in a very deep pool.
'We suspect that Utah’s extra wet winter changed the canyon somewhat resulting in a much harder scenario than we were prepared for,' Mumford continued.
As the cold water reached their chests, the situation grew worse. The group tried stacking themselves on each other's shoulders in an attempt to climb out but it wasn't long until the cold began to take its toll.
'I went into hypothermic shock and started panicking and freezing up, and these two saw me and became very concerned,' said Mumford.
In such a remote area, mobile coverage was not an option. Fortunately, Stephen Watts, one of the trio, had recently purchased an iPhone 14.
To the team's relief, Watts used the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature. Aligning their location with a satellite, Watts was able to send texts every 20 minutes to 911 in Emery County and share their exact position.
Their rescue from this dire situation was largely thanks to the life-saving feature of the iPhone 14.
Apple's Emergency SOS via Satellite feature is also integrated into the iPhone 15 and users of either can test the emergency SOS via satellite using the demo.
First, create your Medical ID in the Health app, then go to Settings > Emergency SOS, scroll down, and tap Try Demo.
Whenever you find yourself outside of cellular range and need emergency help, hold down the power button and one of the volume buttons until the Emergency SOS slider appears.
Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to a satellite. This may take a few minutes to align with your location, however, it is a sure way to signal for help if you find yourself in a serious situation.