What if you’re traveling in a country where you don’t speak the language, and fall ill?
A new app launched in Ireland for Android and iPhone users by Mesh Trading of Belfast now allows travelers in foreign countries to send immediate text messages to emergency officials in their language.
Called, appropriately enough, Distress Signal, the app currently works in the UK, Ireland, China, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the Philippines and Iceland, and will made available in the U.S. and Europe as soon as each country updates its emergency SMS service.
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It’s not surprising how it came about. David Nurse, Mesh Trading's managing director, became 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. "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."
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. You’ll also get a flashlight, alert siren, and Morse code SOS, and lists of standard emergency numbers and nearest locations for police stations and hospitals in each country.
In addition, there’s 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.
Other apps are available for this kind of emergency, but mostly operate in the U.S.
Edited by
Brooke Neuman
