Google launched Android Emergency Live Video on Wednesday, which allows people to stream video when contacting emergency responders. This feature could help give first responders extra context in circumstances like car accidents, fires, or medical crises.
There’s no setup required to use this feature. Instead, during an emergency call or text, a dispatcher can send a request to your device. Then you can opt into sharing your camera’s live video, which is encrypted and can be stopped at your discretion.
“With a single tap, you can start securely streaming from your camera, allowing responders to quickly assess the situation and get you the right help in the moment,” Google wrote in a blog post. “This real-time view can also help them guide you through life-saving steps, like CPR, until help arrives.”
Google and Apple each offer a suite of safety features on their devices, like emergency SOS, crash detection, fall detection, and satellite location services.
Android Emergency Live Video will be supported on Android phones running Android 8 or later. So far, the feature will roll out in the U.S. and certain regions of Germany and Mexico.
