What Would You Do If You Found Yourself in an Emergency While You Were Alone?

[HappyDude20]

Figured I'd ask the MacRumors community because my nephew who just turned 19 is moving away from his folks and my area and everyone is concerned about his safety being alone for the first time ever. The family has 'FindMy' turned on and even I'm included in that and they can see my location and I can see theirs.

However, I recall like a year ago hearing about an Apple Shortcut that when you press your power button like 5 times it'll automatically start the iPhone camera, start recording video, send your location to family members and send them a text message saying that you are in trouble.

I can't help but wonder if anyone here has ever tried it or can vouch for that shortcut, whatever it's called. Seems like a good idea in theory.

My sister in law and brother just want peace of mind knowing their kid is gonna be okay now that he's leaving the nest and considering he is literally never more than 5 feet away from his iPhone I was thinking that peace of mind could come from something along iOS lines, hence the reason why I'm asking the M.R. community for advice.

 

[Huntn]

This?

Use SOS to contact emergency services on your iPhone

support.apple.com

 

[HappyDude20]

This?

Use SOS to contact emergency services on your iPhone

support.apple.com

Yes, that'll seem to do it.

I just remembered that the Shortcut I was talking about had to do something w/ being pulled over by the police, so for your safety the iPhone would record the interaction and send your location automatically to your friends and family but without calling any emergency services.

 

[Tech198]

Call me an optimist,but i wouldn't use this on iOS... I'd call as i'd usually do. If i have enough feeling to work the home button in 'large succession', i can dial numbers.

Ideally, the excuse "of leaving things too late, you must use" this is just that "an excuse" If you were in an emergancy why did you leave it too late ?

 

[max2]

Yes, that'll seem to do it.

I just remembered that the Shortcut I was talking about had to do something w/ being pulled over by the police, so for your safety the iPhone would record the interaction and send your location automatically to your friends and family but without calling any emergency services.

Why are you worried about your nephew being pulled over by police ?

I been pulled over before but that was a long time ago. Everything went ok. I didn't have my id but still it was fine. Mainly was pulled over because it was like 5 or 5:30 am in the morning I believe. They just asked for my Social Security # instead which I know by heart.

 

[Jessica Lares]

The shortcut you're talking about was something someone made for the Shortcuts app. It's this one: https://shortcutsgallery.com/shortcuts/pulled-over-by-the-police/ Their Reddit thread for it is here with the links to the outlets it got picked up by.

It only works via the app or a home screen shortcut.

I don't know how well it works, or even if it still does. Apple's been pretty quiet about the app this last year so who knows what's going to happen to it. Might want to wait until after the WWDC announcements to bring it up.

 

[eyoungren]

Figured I'd ask the MacRumors community because my nephew who just turned 19 is moving away from his folks and my area and everyone is concerned about his safety being alone for the first time ever. The family has 'FindMy' turned on and even I'm included in that and they can see my location and I can see theirs.

However, I recall like a year ago hearing about an Apple Shortcut that when you press your power button like 5 times it'll automatically start the iPhone camera, start recording video, send your location to family members and send them a text message saying that you are in trouble.

I can't help but wonder if anyone here has ever tried it or can vouch for that shortcut, whatever it's called. Seems like a good idea in theory.

My sister in law and brother just want peace of mind knowing their kid is gonna be okay now that he's leaving the nest and considering he is literally never more than 5 feet away from his iPhone I was thinking that peace of mind could come from something along iOS lines, hence the reason why I'm asking the M.R. community for advice.

I am of the latchkey generation and having been left alone quite a lot during the 70s and 80s you learn a few things. You deal as best you can with the immediate emergency, get out if you have to and call 911.

Was your nephew taught how to handle things? Cooking fires, cuts, what to do in an earthquake (I'm from California), outside water shutoff, etc?

 

[HappyDude20]

I am of the latchkey generation and having been left alone quite a lot during the 70s and 80s you learn a few things. You deal as best you can with the immediate emergency, get out if you have to and call 911.

Was your nephew taught how to handle things? Cooking fires, cuts, what to do in an earthquake (I'm from California), outside water shutoff, etc?

yeah I just think his folks are concerned with all the recent police brutality and distrust in law enforcement though they’re not admitting that’s the reason more so mentioning wanting to call the police. I don’t know its odd. Could also be it’s just their first time their kid is moving out.

 

[tranceking26]

I've lived alone for 8 years + and have always wondered "what if" but it has actually been fine. I'm also never far from my iPhone!

 

[ejb190]

I imagine it's parents more than the kid! All you can do is teach them the best you can, love them the best you can, and tell them that you will do your best to be there when they need you. Moving out and becoming self sufficient is an important part of life - for both parents and children!

When I moved out and lived alone 5 states away I always had folks who knew how to get in touch with my parents and vice versa. My parents and I also had a pretty regular phone call schedule. I've always felt like I could discuss anything with my parents - and while I didn't always take their advice, I knew I had a good sounding board.

I knew a "helicopter parent" who went off the deep end when the kid left home and cut off all contact. Don't set yourself up for that!