Photo credit: National Farmers' Union of England and Wales.
Cell phones are already vital emergency tools for their ability to make emergency calls, but with some additional setup they can become even more valuable safety tools for farmers working alone or in remote areas.
Location Sharing
Most phones support location sharing through native messaging apps, though there are additional options. WhatsApp allows precise location sharing with contacts, which provides additional security for solo work. To share your location in WhatsApp, tap the plus icon on the bottom left of a chat, followed by ‘Location’. You will then have the option to share either your current location, or your live location that will be shared for a time period that you choose.
Additionally, What3Words is a free mobile app that has divided the world into 10 foot squares with unique three word codes in an effort to provide clearer location data to emergency responders. The app does not require connection to function, allowing it to be used in areas with poor or spotty connection. What3Words is not currently supported nationwide, but over 250 public safety teams in the US currently use the service.
Apps for Emergency Situations
In cases where emergency responders will take an extended amount of time to arrive, the GoodSAM app provides a bridge between the caller and the emergency responder. The app allows the caller to video the incident in real time, enabling the emergency responder to determine the necessary services required. The app also provides GPS data to first responders to ensure help arrives as quickly as possible.
Emergency SOS
Many smartphones have built-in options to quickly contact emergency services and pre-selected contacts.
iPhones will give the option to dial 911 and alert emergency contacts once the call has ended. To activate this, press and hold one of the volume buttons along with the side button on the right hand side of the phone. If you have an iPhone 7 or earlier, this feature can be activated by rapidly pressing the side (or top) button five times.
Your phone will also send a text message to your emergency contacts with your current location. You can set up emergency contacts on your iPhone under the Health app.
Android phones, such as Samsung, Google Pixel, Huawei, Motorola, Xiaomi or Nokia phones, also have an Emergency SOS feature. To activate this, press the power button on your phone five times or more. You will then have the option to call the emergency services.
You can also create other emergency actions, such as sharing your location with emergency contacts, who will receive this information at the same time as the emergency services. Select ‘Safety and Emergency’ in your phone settings to set up your emergency contacts and set this feature up.
Store Important Medical Information
You can use your mobile phone to store important medical information, such as your blood type, allergies or medications. Storing this information on your phone will allow medical professionals to access these details during potentially life saving situations.
On an iPhone, open the ‘Health’ app. Tap on your profile button in the top right hand corner and tap ‘Medical ID’. You can then enter any details you believe would be important, as well as an emergency contact. You can also select whether you would like this information to be viewed when your phone is locked, or whether it will be shared during an emergency call.
On an Android device, go to ‘Settings’ and tap ‘Safety and Emergency’. You can then either select to add your medical details, or add emergency contacts. You can also select how this information is shared.
Read more from the National Farmers' Union of England and Wales here.