The foundation of the national SOS ALARM Emergency Service introduced the SOS Alarm app in 2014 that is aimed at saving lives?in emergencies. The alarm-app calls on emergency workers (doctors, military personnel, first aiders, emergency response) in case of an emergency if they do happen to be in the neighborhood. Before the official emergency services arrive they can already provide some assistance. The foundation wants to connect its system to the emergency control rooms of 112, but this takes some time. They will continue consultations with the government, but did not want to wait any longer with launching the application. Promoters call qualified caregivers in – along a million Dutch people – to register via http://helplevensredden.nl. Some 20,000 people have now been registered.
The site states: “The National SOS ALARM Emergency Service allows citizens to take responsibility for a safe environment untill official emergency services have arrived. Self-responsibility for and with each others, so also your loved ones can receive first aid in this way. Emergency services alarm emergency volunteers through SOS ALARM and clinicians who are in the vicinity of the emergency situation. Registered volunteers form a new relief system, so that the powers can be increased with the police, fire and ambulance as they fill in the time before they arrive. ”
There is a section for all citizens and for registered SOS ALARM Helpers. As a result, you are always aware of an emergency in the area and you can also sound the alarm yourself. The app includes: first aid tips, missing persons, I’m OK, help in your area, search AED, etc. See the explanation under the initiative of Ambassador Hein Vergeer below (Dutch video):
Mind the app: there is another SOS Alarm app
The app described above should not be confused with the SOS Alarm app?of Focus Cura Healthcare Innovation that created an alarm service for elderly and chronically ill to provide them independence and enable them to live longer at home. This SOS AlarmApp alarms three contacts or an emergency room care alarm if you do not feel well or feel unsafe. Contacts receive an SMS with alarm message that contains a GPS link to Google Maps, so they can see where you are. Signing up for the SOS AlarmApp is free, as is using it the first three times. The app comes with three free alarm credits.
Sources: NRC Handelsblad (June 13th 2014), Helplevensredden, SOSAlarm.nl