Apps can not only be practical everyday companions that make life a bit easier – some applications can also save lives in an emergency. We’ll show you which apps are best for you to use and how they work.
In an emergency, a few seconds can make the difference between life and death. But what if you don’t know exactly where you are, can’t speak and therefore can’t make an emergency call? Then practical apps will help, which locate you to within a few meters, navigate you to a rescue point or make an emergency call with just a few clicks.
Emergency call without a phone call: Nora app
The official Nora app has only been available in the app stores since the end of 2021 and has since made it possible to make an emergency call digitally without calling an emergency number. The search mask asks for the exact situation, such as what happened, who is affected and how these people are doing. All data is then transmitted to the nearest control center.
The location is detected automatically, but can also be determined using a map or by entering an address. For all situations in which the call for help should go unnoticed, there is also the option of making a silent emergency call. Anyone who wants to prepare for an emergency will also find a demo mode in which all app functions can be tested.
Determine location – no matter where
In the forest, on the country road, in the mountains: If there are no clues in the area or if you don’t know your way around, it is often difficult to tell the emergency services the exact location. In an emergency, valuable time is lost in a search.
what3words solves this problem and divides the entire globe into 3×3 meter small squares, which are always labeled with three different words. Each combination only exists once, so finding another place with the same combination of words is impossible. Who for example create.collar.supplement enters, ends up in the middle of Munich’s Theresienwiese. Numerous control centers in Germany are already using the service.
Arrive safely at home: WayGuard
Many people feel uncomfortable, especially when they are out and about alone at night. The free WayGuard app, which was developed by AXA Insurance, helps you get from A to B safely. There are several options for this:
- Virtual companion: Only the location is shared with the WayGuard team. When you arrive at your destination, you end the shared location – in an emergency, you can make an emergency call with a swipe and a telephone connection to the emergency call center will be established automatically.
- Telephone support: As with the virtual companion, the location is shared throughout. In addition, you can talk to a trained member of staff the entire way. Only when you have arrived safely at home and you end the accompaniment from your side will the conversation and the location transmission be ended.
- Telephone accompaniment with acquaintances or friends: Alternatively, you can also start a phone call with a person from your own contact book, who will then accompany you the entire way.
Find rescue point: Help in the forest
If you are in the forest and cannot transmit the exact location, you can also meet rescue workers at so-called rescue points. These can be found in almost every forest area and can be found using the help in the forest app.
Use the magnifying glass button to find the nearest rescue point and reference code. You can then communicate this to the control center when you make the emergency call. So that this also works when you don’t have good reception, you can download sections of the map and use the app offline.
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