With estimates that as many as 80 per cent of all triple-0 (000) calls are made from mobile phones, it's important to be across how you can call for help when you run into trouble.
But what if you don't have reception?
Apple has launched a new emergency SOS feature for iPhone users who are out of mobile phone reception, which will use satellite technology to send for help.
However, it's only for the latest iPhone models and it might not work in certain bushy or mountainous areas. And it will only be free for two years.
Let's unpack Apple's new technology and take a broader look at how emergency call services work on any smartphones in Australia.
How does the iPhone 14 feature work?
If you try to ring triple-0 and the call doesn't connect, an option will pop up for you to send an emergency text via satellite.
From there, you'll be presented with a few prompts.
It'll ask about the kind of emergency you're experiencing and go on to more specific questions like whether someone's injured or what kind of terrain you're in.
Apple says these pre-determined questions help to condense the information that needs to be sent via satellite to speed things up — as messages sent via satellite can take longer to send than regular messages.
These messages go through relay centres staffed by Apple-trained emergency specialists who are ready to contact emergency services call centres on the userʼs behalf.
That's different to how regular emergency calls are taken.
When someone dials triple-0, the call is directed to a triple-0 call centre, which is operated by Telstra.
The call-taker will ask for the type of emergency and get the person's location and then transfer it to either police, fire or ambulance in the right state or territory.
It's up to that call taker to dispatch assistance.
Apple's new feature works via a combination of software and hardware — the physical mechanics of the device itself — and only iPhone 14 models will support it.
So people with older iPhone models cannot use the feature.
Apple says the service, which is already available in 12 other countries, has "already helped save lives".
Federal Communications Minister Michelle Rowland says the feature is a "strong back-up to keep Australians connected in an emergency".
She is encouraging people with iPhone 14s to familiarise themselves with it.
However, the feature isn't a failsafe
Even if you've got an iPhone 14, don't be complacent.
For one thing, you need to have some battery left on your phone.
And satellite technology might not be always be reliable — particularly if you're under a thick canopy of trees or down a deep gully.
"Make sure you're outside, with a clear view of the sky and the horizon," Apple's website says.
"Be aware that trees with light foliage may slow down the connection, and dense foliage may block it.
"Hills or mountains, canyons and tall structures can also block the connection."
The service is free for two years
Apple says the service will be free for two years from when the iPhone 14 is first activated.
However, there's still no detail on what will happen after those two years.
Now, let's look at emergency calls in general across Australia.
How much does a 000 call cost?
Nothing.
"You will not be charged for calling Triple Zero," the Australian Communications and Media Authority website says.
"These calls are free from any kind of phone."
Can you make emergency calls if you're out of signal without the Apple feature?
Yes and no.
Emergency calls will be carried on any available mobile network.
That means you can call triple-0 if your mobile carrier doesn't have coverage in that area, so long as at least one mobile carrier covers that area.
So, if you're in a complete mobile black spot and you don't have this new iPhone feature, your call won't go through.
Can emergency services use GPS to track your location?
Yes, but only on certain phones and in certain areas.
That's thanks to technology called Advanced Mobile Location (AML), which was completely rolled out in August 2021.
AML-enabled smartphones recognise when an emergency call is made and activate the phone's location services.
In about 25 seconds, it calculates the caller's location and automatically sends a SMS with the estimated location to triple-0 — even if the phone's location services are turned off.
There won't be a record of this text on the device and AML is de-activated once the emergency call is finished.
But this only works if you're calling from an area covered by your mobile phone carrier, according to the triple-0 website.
AML is built into some devices' operating systems — so you don't need to download a new app to get it to work, but you'd need to have updated your phone's software in the past two years.
According to the triple-0 website, it's available on:
- Android phones: version 4.1 and higher, with Google Play Services installed
- Apple: iPhones running iOS 14.3 or later and Apple Watch GPS + Cellular devices running watchOS 7.2 or later
What about satellite phones?
Satellite phones — or satphones — work through orbiting satellites, rather than relying on mobile phone signal towers.
This means they can be used almost anywhere — but the same limitations as those listed above apply.
They're typically more expensive than a regular phone — you can buy satellite handsets or attachments to give your existing smartphone satellite capabilities.
"A satphone can’t provide location access to a 000 operator, as the signal is coming from a satellite," the federal government's Regional Tech Hub website says.
"If the satphone is your primary means of emergency communication, we recommend having a source of GPS data with you as well, so this information can be provided to the operator."
What about distress beacons?
These are emergency alert devices regularly used by boat crews, air crews and remote workers — they're also used by recreational bushwalkers and adventurers in case they run into trouble.
Emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) transmit a signal that can be detected by satellite.
Once the signal is picked up, it goes to a local user terminal and then mission control centre before it's passed on to the rescue coordination centre.
There are dozens of distress beacons on the market, with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) recommending using one with Global Positioning System (GPS) capabilities.
"We recommend EPIRBs are purchased in Australia, to ensure compliance with the National System carriage requirements and registration with AMSA," the authority's website says.
Beacons must be registered with the AMSA, which is a free process.
What about dialling 112?
There's no real point in using it instead of dialling 000.
Dialling 112 will just direct you straight to triple-0 and won't give you priority over regular triple-0 calls.
It's an international standard emergency number in some parts of the world and only works on a digital mobile phone — so it doesn't work on a landline phone.
"There is a misconception that 112 calls will be carried by satellite if there is no mobile coverage," the Department of Home Affairs website says.
"Satellite phones use a different technology and your mobile phone cannot access a satellite network.
"If there is no mobile coverage on any network, you will not be able to reach the Emergency Call Service via a mobile phone, regardless of which number you dialled."
Back in the day, special capabilities, such as roaming, were once only possible by dialling 112.
However, all mobile phones manufactured since 2002 provide these capabilities when 000 is dialled.
