Patent continuation shows that Apple is working on location-based app for emergency information

Sketch included with Apple's patent application

What do you do if you are overseas, or in a region of the U.S. that you are not familiar with, and require the police, a fire truck or an ambulance? For some, looking up this information ahead of time is a hassle, and when time is of the essence, trying to find someone who can help you often seems impossible. Based on a patent continuation published by the USPTO, it seems that Apple is designing a location-based app that will deliver emergency information to a user's Apple iPhone.

Ironically, the app is credited to former Apple iOS chief Scott Forstall, who got caught up in another Apple application called Apple Maps. Overseas, the Apple emergency information map would give travelers specific numbers to police, fire or medical assistance based on the location of their Apple iPhone. In the U.S., it might offer users direct phone numbers to nearby police stations which would probably help lower the number of unnecessary 9-1-1 calls that are made each year that clog up the system.

The patent was originally filed in June 2007, the same month and year that the original version of the Apple iPhone launched. The continuation is dated September, 2012.

"When a person travels abroad, emergencies can occur. For example, the person can become injured in an accident, be a victim of a crime, or lose their travel documents. In those situations, having knowledge of contact information for local emergency services or the pertinent consular services can be beneficial."-Apple's statement on patent filing

source: FreePatentsOnline