Rapid SOS
Delivering real-time emergency data to 911 for faster response.
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Headquartered in New York City, RapidSOS serves over 15,000 public safety agencies across the U.S. and operates in six countries globally.
Founding Story
In 2012, Michael Martin experienced a personal emergency when his father fell from a roof and couldn't reach 911 due to poor cell coverage. This incident highlighted the limitations of the existing emergency response infrastructure. Determined to modernize emergency communications, Martin partnered with Nicholas Horelik, and together they founded RapidSOS to bridge the gap between modern technology and emergency services.
The founders recognized that while smartphones and connected devices generate vast amounts of data, 911 centers often operate with minimal information about callers. This disconnect inspired them to develop a platform that could seamlessly transmit critical data—like location, medical information, and more—from devices directly to emergency responders.
RapidSOS's first product, the Haven app, allowed users to share their location and personal information with 911. The app's success demonstrated the demand for enhanced emergency communication tools and paved the way for deeper integrations with public safety systems.
A significant milestone came when RapidSOS partnered with Apple and Google to transmit precise location data from iPhones and Android devices directly to 911 centers during emergency calls. This collaboration vastly improved the accuracy and efficiency of emergency responses, marking a transformative moment in public safety communications.
RapidSOS has developed the world's first emergency response data platform, securely linking over 540 million connected devices to 911 and first responders. By integrating data from smartphones, wearables, vehicles, and smart homes, the platform provides real-time information—such as exact location, medical history, and crash data—to emergency services, enabling faster and more informed responses.
Impact to Date
RapidSOS has revolutionized emergency response by delivering real-time, life-saving data to first responders, reducing response times and saving lives.
Impact Use Case #1:
Enhancing Driver Safety with Uber
Uber integrated RapidSOS into its Safety Toolkit to provide drivers and riders with a direct connection to 911 during emergencies. When an incident occurs—such as a crash or a safety concern—the app transmits real-time location, vehicle details, trip route, and user identity directly into 911 call centers via the RapidSOS platform. This eliminates the need for the caller to verbally share critical information under duress, allowing dispatchers to immediately assess the situation and coordinate the fastest response. As a result, law enforcement and EMS can arrive on scene with full awareness of who they’re assisting and where. The integration has become a vital part of Uber’s broader strategy to enhance rider and driver trust, while setting a new standard for in-app emergency support.
Impact Use Case #2:
Accelerating Emergency Response with SiriusXM
SiriusXM, through its connected vehicle platform, partnered with RapidSOS to transform how emergency services receive crash data. When a serious vehicle incident occurs, SiriusXM-enabled cars automatically send precise GPS coordinates, crash severity (e.g. front vs. side impact), airbag deployment status, and passenger occupancy to first responders via the RapidSOS platform. This happens before a 911 call is even made, reducing delays in dispatching the appropriate help. For example, if a driver is unconscious after impact, responders still receive all critical data needed to act. This integration is especially impactful in remote or high-speed scenarios, where every second counts. The collaboration has helped close the gap between vehicle telemetry and public safety infrastructure, ultimately saving more lives.
Impact Use Case #3:
Protecting Delivery Drivers with Grubhub
Grubhub partnered with RapidSOS to enhance protections for its nationwide fleet of delivery drivers, who often work alone and late into the night. Through their in-app emergency button, drivers can immediately alert 911 and transmit their live location, route history, vehicle description, and customer information directly into the hands of dispatchers. This bypasses the need for verbal explanation, which is critical if a driver is in distress or unable to speak. The integration has led to quicker interventions in cases ranging from altercations to health emergencies. It also gives drivers peace of mind knowing that the system can escalate support in real time. Grubhub has since scaled the feature across major U.S. cities, showing how technology can be used to ensure frontline worker safety at scale.
Impact Use Case #4:
Improving Campus Safety with Smart Devices
Universities and colleges across the U.S. have begun integrating RapidSOS into their campus safety systems—linking mobile safety apps, wearables, and even smart ID badges to emergency services. In moments of danger, such as an assault, medical emergency, or campus lockdown, students can press a button on their phone or device to instantly share GPS data, personal health profiles, and other contextual information with both campus security and local 911 centers. This rapid, data-rich response improves outcomes while reducing confusion during chaotic moments. In some schools, the system has already played a role in reducing response times by minutes—vital in life-threatening situations. The integration also helps university security teams operate more efficiently and collaboratively with city responders.
