On a Friday evening, Phil was alone at home and eating dinner when he suffered a stroke. Nearly 17 hours later, he was discovered underneath his kitchen table by a neighbor who immediately called 911. After talking to dispatchers the neighbor called Phil’s longtime friend, Jay Elliot.

Jay arrived on the scene as Phil was being placed on a stretcher by paramedics, and noticed Phil’s cell phone on the kitchen table. Jay knew that even if Phil had been able to call for help, the stroke affecting his friend’s speech would have left first responders in the dark about his situation.

When you call 911 from a cell phone or traditional safety app, barely any data is sent about the caller. First responders rely on verbal communication to find out who is calling and what has happened. This process takes precious minutes and is further complicated when a caller is having trouble describing the situation in what could be the worst moment of their lives.