The current implementation of the satellite communication system utilizes the Stingr module to transmit data to the satellite which is then processed and sent as an email. For the purposes of our project, we require this message to reach emergency services in a reasonable amount of time such that they are notified of a potential accident.
In order to reach emergency services, the following methods are considered:
It is possible to simply forward the email sent through the Stingr transmission to the email of the local police department.
Although this method is likely the easiest to implement, it comes with certain drawbacks
Since these emails are not constantly monitored, the time it takes for someone to view the email will likely exceed emergency response times.
Another option is to create an API and program that parses the email, uses a voice engine and makes a phone call to emergency services.
The drawbacks associated with this method is:
Automated voice calls to emergency services might be unclear resulting in misinformation. If for some reason the person receiving the call is unable to interpret part of the automated voice message, the information might never be communicated.
This method is very complicated to implement and may require purchase of call minutes.
A more feasible option is to take the contents of the email and forward it in an SMS to emergency services
This method does not incur additional fees and is relatively simpler to implement.
The following link discusses the feasibility of sending an SMS to 911: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/what-you-need-know-about-text-911
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