Local emergency medical service, ER24, has partnered with Cellfind to offer a service that turns users' cellphones into panic buttons.
IDMe links the user's cellphone directly to the ER24 contact centre when a specific speed dial number is called. The panic button is voice-free, and initiates an immediate response from ER24. The service also uses triangulation via cellular towers to trace the user's location.
According to ER24, the location of the cellphone will be pinpointed to within approximately 200m depending on the area and interaction with other cellphone signals and proximity to the nearest cell masts.
“An operator will also phone you immediately to find out what assistance you need so that the authorities and necessary help can be dispatched to your location,” says ER24, adding that the closest emergency resource will be dispatched.
“The contact centre co-ordinator will systematically interface with other emergency response services and communicate with relatives, friends, and medical care-givers, to ascertain the exact nature of the distress call and send out the appropriate response unit.”
The new service is expected to help reduce hoax calls by immediately identifying the service subscriber, and improve response times through easy location tracking.
ER24 spokesperson Werner Vermaak says: “The incidence of trauma in SA has increased dramatically in recent years. It is a sad fact that emergencies such as road accidents and violent crime can strike at any time.”
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