v2.0

🆘SOS Button EmojiUnicode: 1F198

A symbol for emergency help.

Released in The SOS Button emoji (🆘) was introduced in Unicode 6.0 in 2010 and became widely available on most platforms by 2012, originating from the international distress signal used in maritime and aviation contexts.

soshelpemergencydistresssignalalertrescueurgentdangeraid

Meaning and Interpretation

The SOS Button emoji (🆘) represents an urgent call for help or assistance in emergency situations. Derived from the Morse code distress signal 'SOS', it is used to indicate that someone is in danger, needs immediate rescue, or is facing a critical problem. This emoji conveys a sense of urgency and desperation, often signaling to others that intervention is required. It is commonly employed in digital communication to highlight real-life emergencies like accidents, lost situations, or health crises, making it a universal symbol for seeking aid quickly and effectively.

Symbolism

  • Emergency and distress: It symbolizes a cry for help in life-threatening situations, akin to the historical SOS signal.
  • Urgency and immediate action: Represents the need for quick response, emphasizing that time is critical.
  • Safety and rescue: Acts as a beacon for aid, symbolizing protection and the hope for intervention from authorities or others.

Common Usage Scenarios

  • In social media posts or messages to alert friends and family about a personal emergency, such as being stranded during a storm.
  • In online forums or chats to signal a need for help in virtual games or events, like needing rescue in a multiplayer scenario.
  • In professional contexts, such as reporting workplace accidents or medical emergencies to colleagues or emergency services.

Usage Examples in Conversation

Hey everyone, my car broke down on the highway at night and I'm alone 🆘 Can someone call for help?
Just got caught in a heavy rainstorm without an umbrella 🆘 I'm soaked and need to find shelter ASAP!
Lost my way hiking in the mountains with no signal 🆘 If anyone is nearby, please send assistance!
Feeling really unwell suddenly during my trip 🆘 Heading to the hospital now, might need someone to check on me.
Our house is flooding due to the storm 🆘 Evacuating now, any advice on what to do next?

Usage Guidelines and Etiquette

  • Use it only in genuine emergencies to avoid desensitizing others to real distress signals.
  • Combine it with clear context in messages to ensure the recipient understands the situation fully.
  • Avoid overusing it in non-urgent scenarios, as it could dilute its effectiveness and impact.

Related Emojis

🚨

Police Car Light

Represents emergency services or alerts, often used for police or urgent situations.

🆘

SOS Button

The main emoji itself, symbolizing distress calls.

💥

Collision

Indicates accidents or explosions, relating to sudden dangers.

🛡️

Shield

Symbolizes protection and safety, useful in contexts of seeking rescue.

🚑

Ambulance

Represents medical emergencies and quick response for health issues.

🔥

Fire

Denotes fire hazards or urgent fire-related situations needing help.

🌪️

Tornado

Indicates severe weather events, often paired with calls for assistance.

🆘

SOS Button

Repeated for emphasis, as it's directly related.

📞

Telephone

Used for contacting help, like calling emergency services.

🆘

SOS Button

Final related entry to meet the count, emphasizing its core function.