Calling 911 in an emergency isn’t always an option. Maybe you’re in a situation where speaking is dangerous or difficult, or perhaps there’s no cell service for voice calls but you still have data for texting. Thankfully, texting emergency services has been an option in some areas for a while, but those texts are typically sent through basic SMS messaging. That’s about to change.

This winter, Google Messages will introduce texting 911 with Rich Communication Services (RCS). This is a significant upgrade over traditional SMS texting, offering several new features that could be critical in an emergency.

Firstly, RCS texting isn’t as limited as SMS. While SMS can only handle basic text messages and low-resolution images, RCS allows for features more akin to what you might experience with messaging apps like WhatsApp or Messenger. This means you’ll be able to share higher-quality photos and videos with emergency responders, potentially providing them with valuable visual information about the situation.

Secondly, RCS offers read receipts and typing indicators. In those tense moments waiting for help, knowing your message has been received and is being reviewed by a dispatcher can provide much-needed reassurance.

The rollout of RCS texting for 911 is a collaboration between Google and RapidSOS, a company that already works with both iPhones and Androids to share certain medical information with emergency responders. Importantly, this feature won’t be available everywhere immediately. Dispatch centers will need to enable it on their end, and Google says the rollout will be gradual.

However, the fact that this announcement comes just before Apple’s expected announcement of RCS support in iOS 18 suggests this might be the start of a bigger trend. Wider adoption of RCS could significantly improve emergency communication for everyone.

For those who live in areas where texting 911 isn’t currently supported, there’s no need to worry about your messages disappearing into the void. The FCC mandates that carriers provide a bounce-back message in such situations, letting you know to call 911 instead. But a read receipt from an RCS message offers a different kind of comfort, a confirmation that help is on the way.

This upgrade to RCS texting for 911 represents a positive step forward in emergency communication. With the ability to share richer information and receive confirmation of message delivery, texting 911 becomes a more reliable and effective way to get help when you need it most. Google is committed to expanding this feature and is looking for partners to help make reliable emergency messaging a reality for everyone.

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