Marlize Holtzhausen used her extensive experience in the cellular network and communications industry to create a product that would turn a mobile phone into a panic button that can summon help to your exact location without needing to rely on explaining to someone where you are or waiting for the next available operator. The idea of an emergency app came to mind when a family member went through a traumatic experience.
“It’s simple really; in an emergency, every second counts. Unfortunately, the human link inherent in a call centre means that time is often wasted as mistakes and misunderstandings occur. In a country with so many different languages, that issue is multiplied,” said Hotzhausen
The 911 Response24 app is available on Android and Apple devices and has unique features that allow you to send an emergency alert when you are unable to speak to someone over the phone.
By clicking the panic button on the 911 Response 24 app, a medical or armed response will be alerted of your emergency, as well as friends and family. The app has received positive responses and has won the Global Award for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at GoogleFest in Switzerland.
To help fight against the spread of the Coronavirus, the app now sports an emergency response button, called Medical Support SA, which links users to a national operations centre that directs them to the correct COVID-19 facilities and sources of accurate information. Kerry Hodgkinson,911 Response24 Communications Manager mentions that one of the challenges they are currently faced with is the misuse of use of the app.
“The public are contacting emergency services for non-life-threatening requests, such as for transport to COVID-19 testing centres, or to find the address of their nearest hospital handling the crisis. The unnecessary call block call centre lines and are using valuable resources that could be deployed where they are needed the most,” explained Hodgkinson.
