Hi CliffordG,
For help with the Emergency SOS call feature on your iPhone, test the steps below found in the article here: Use Emergency SOS on your iPhone - Apple Support
"Change how you call
On iPhone 8 or later, your iPhone can automatically call emergency services. When Call with Hold and Release is turned on and you hold the side button and one of the volume buttons to make an emergency call, your iPhone begins a countdown and sounds an alert. If you release the buttons after the countdown ends, your iPhone automatically calls emergency services.
When Call with 5 Button Presses is turned on and you try to make an emergency call, your iPhone begins a countdown and sounds an alert. After the countdown ends, your iPhone automatically calls emergency services.
When Call Quietly is turned on and you try to make an emergency call with one of these options, any warning alarms and flashes will be silenced.
To turn these settings on:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap Emergency SOS.
- Turn Call with Hold and Release, Call with 5 Button Presses, or Call Quietly on.
If you turn off Call with Hold and Release or Call with 5 Button Presses, you can still use the Emergency SOS slider to make a call."
As mentioned above with the options off, you can still used the slider to make the call. However, if you're attempting to force restart your iPhone using the side button and volume buttons you'll need to follow the steps outlined here: Force restart iPhone - Apple Support
If you continue to have an issue, test with any protective case off, and ensure your iOS is fully updated. Update your iPhone or iPad
Reach out to Apple Support directly if the issue remains to report it and have them further assist.
Contact - Official Apple Support
Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support
Best.