Toshiba has developed a system that can help people trapped and buried after an avalanche or earthquake – as long as they have a cellphone (GB 2382265).
Immediately after the disaster, any survivor or rescue worker arriving on the scene dials an emergency number. In response, the local cellphone network transmits an emergency alert message to any cellphone within the radio “cells” covering the disaster area. The alert makes every phone in the area ring. Anyone who is safe simply switches off their phone, leaving victims’ phones sounding to help rescuers find them.
Toshiba says the phones could also be…
