This app was mentioned in 6 comments, with an average of 18.67 upvotes
In Australia there's a relatively commonly used app called Emergency+ that gives basic information on when to call 000 (our emergency number) and will also show your coordinates. It's not able to transfer the data automatically, but it makes it easy for the caller to access and read out to the call taker.
Had to take a ride in an ambulance yesterday (it's all sorted now). Along the way the paramedics told me that they're encouraging people to install an app on their smart phones called EMERGENCY + (PLUS). It is free, and on both android google play store and itunes idevices.
It brings up a quick 000, SES and Police Assistance line that also links into a map with latitude and longitude. This is handy if you're in an unknown area in a city, and a potential lifesaver remote (say in the bush). It also has other important contact numbers such as the GP access line and translation services.
Hopefully you will never need it but it's not a bad idea to have it just in case.
One Tip:
If you hand your device to your kids to play with, what I'd suggest is to NOT put the app on the main screen. If you need to launch it in an emergency you can do it manually via "all apps", but leave the shortcut off the screen so child hands can't inadvertently call 000.
LINKS:
If you want to know where you are before calling 000, install Emergency+. It will give you your current GPS coordinates, and if possible, convert it to the nearest street address so that you can tell the 000 operator.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.threesixtyentertainment.nesn&hl=en
https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/emergency-+/id691814685?mt=8
The phone towers can't force the phones to give them GPS coordinates - that's not part of the phone system. Anyway, not everyone has a phone with GPS on it, people turn off their GPS to save battery, or they're in an area with weak GPS signal.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.threesixtyentertainment.nesn
This app can show you your co-ordinates so you can give them to the emergency service you call.