\section{Summary}

This note proposes investigation into how Internet communications
services can be employed to summon emergency assistance.  In summary, we
propose a number of protocol steps.

\begin{itemize}
\item Define a global emergency identifier for all communications
protocols, including email, SIP, instant messaging and possibly IRC. 
This is similar to the existing conventions for {\tt hostmaster}, {\tt
postmaster}, etc.  Details are found in
\cite{draft-schulzrinne-sipping-sos}.

\item Define a mechanism that ensures that communication directed at an
emergency address is delivered to the appropriate ECC.

\item Define a mechanism that allows end systems and/or ISPs to obtain
location information about the system placing an emergency call, which
is then passed on to duly authorized iPSAPs.  A combination of
end-system provided and ISP-based mechanisms seem most likely to be
scalable and work for both wired, indoor as well as wireless, outdoor
end systems.

\item Ensuring priority for emergency communications does not appear to
require additional protocol mechanisms.

\end{itemize}

