this post was submitted on 26 Jun 2023
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Technology
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In an emergency, unlocking a phone, accessing the dialing app, then dialing the correct number on a touchscreen all add considerable friction.
What if you're wearing gloves? What if the screen is broken? What if it isn't your phone? What if your hands are wet? What if the fine motor control of your fingers doesn't work well because you're injured/cold/burned/weak? What if you can't see well because of an eye issue or smoke...
Being able to tap an actual hardware button a few times can prove invaluable during these kinds of emergency situations.
A dumbass cousin of mine shot himself while all alone. It took him about 10minutes to call 911 because the blood on his fingers made it hard to use a touch screen. Knowing about the shortcut would surely have helped.
Every android phone I've had had a one-press 'Emergency' underneath the 0 on the lock screen, is it not the same for others? (although I'd argue that is too easy to hit)
I think this is common, but it still doesn't address the issues with using touchscreens and sight in emergency situations.