Workflow FAQs

Overview

This section is specific to the RapidSOS Emergency Workflows and associated APIs. For General FAQs about RapidSOS and Public Safety, visit our knowledge center.

General

Is whitelisting required to use RapidSOS services

  • While it may not be required for your service, it is recommended to follow the whitelisting guidelines documented here.

Location Services

Does RapidSOS provide geocoding or reverse geocoding services?

Calling Capabilities

Does RapidSOS support international calling?

  • Yes, on a case-by-case basis. Contact your RapidSOS Administrator for more details.

Messaging Capabilities

Can RapidSOS provision specific area or country codes to contact users?

  • Yes

Does the Emergency Workflow API support iMessage?

  • No. The messaging services used by RapidSOS only support SMS.

Is there a maximum number of users allowed in a group SMS?

  • Yes. The maximum number of users in a group SMS is 10.

Is international texting supported?

  • Yes. RapidSOS follows standard regulatory guidelines for SMS
  • An example of these guidelines is:
    • You have a US number (+1 country code)
    • You want to text a UK number (+44 country code)
    • These two numbers won't be able to text each other
  • A separate example of these guidelines is:
    • You have a UK number (+44 country code)
    • You want to text another European Union number (+33 country code)
    • These two numbers are able to text each other

Are SMS transcripts available for conversations?

  • Yes. Please contact your RapidSOS Administrator for more details.

Multimedia

NOTE: For any media file you have, it is always helpful to provide RapidSOS a sample to ensure full support.

Does RapidSOS support HTTP protocol on URLs?

  • No. All files should be provided using HTTPS

Video

What video formats are supported by RapidSOS?

  • .ts with mime type of video/mp4 OR application/octet-stream
  • .mp4 with mime type of video/mp4 OR application/octet-stream
  • m3u8/ts format with h265/h264 encoding
    • It is preferred that the partner provides a 1:1 mapping between 1 URL and 1 video

If you do not see your video format supported, contact your RapidSOS Administrator for more information.

Is RapidSOS able to resolve video URL redirects?
* Yes, for example, a 301 or 302 redirect.
* It is required that the users are authenticated / the video is authenticated for users to view

Monitoring Services

Does RapidSOS provide assistance with local permits for dispatch?

  • Not directly. RapidSOS can provide guidance on what is required for users to collect, but the process and policies may vary by jurisdiction and must be handled by the user receiving service.

RapidSOS Health Check

How can I keep track of the health of the RapidSOS services?

  • RapidSOS understands the importance of reliability, especially when it comes to public safety. That is why we have staff monitoring the health of our products 24/7 365. It is recommended that all partners subscribe to our status page for live updates.

How can I keep track of the health of the Emergency Workflow API?

Regulatory Standards and Compliance

  • The Emergency WorkFlow API is compliant with 9-1-1 regulatory standards, including two key requirements:
    • Calls to 9-1-1 must be initiated by a human
    • There must be a two-way voice connection open between the caller and the 9-1-1 call operator