Irish company unveils emergency app for foreign travellers

A new app launched in Ireland for Android and iPhone users enables travellers in foreign countries to send immediate text messages to emergency officials in their language.

The app, called Distress Signal, was developed by Mesh Trading of Belfast and currently works in the UK, Ireland, China, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the Philippines and Iceland. It will be made available elsewhere (including the United States and Europe) as soon as each country updates its emergency SMS service.

According to a press release, the app is the brainchild of David Nurse, Mesh Trading's managing director, who fell ill while in Venice and – because he didn't speak Italian or know where to seek help – needed the help of a friend to get him to a hospital to be treated for myocarditis (an inflammation of the heart due to infection).

"I realized that millions go abroad each year but wouldn't know what number to call if they fell ill or were in an accident," Mesh said in the press release. "Time is of the essence in an emergency, and if you don't speak the language or know where you are, even if you get the number you might not be able to explain your situation."

"It's perfect if you don't know where you are, don't speak the language of the country you are in, can't talk because of an intruder or medical problem, don't have enough signal for a call, or just don't have time to make the call, because time is critical," he added.

The Distress Signal app, when activated, sends an SMS containing the user's name, location (via GPS), blood group and allergies to area emergency services in their language. The app also features a flashlight, alert siren, and Morse code SOS, and lists standard emergency numbers and nearest locations for police stations and hospitals in each country. Also, the app contains a first aid guide prepared by the British Red Cross with information on common medical emergencies, from bites to burns and strokes, and a checklist to consult before taking a trip abroad.

Eric Wicklund

Editor of mHIMSS.org

Follow Eric on Twitter @eriwick