New app could save lives
CALLING emergency services without saying a word could be life-saving – and a new ‘panic button’ devised by Jávea police allows residents and visitors to do just that.
The mobile phone app ‘Xàbia Alerta’ includes six types of potential crime or crisis – medical emergencies, male-on-female assault, theft, fire, ‘general panic button’ for miscellaneous offences or urgent situations, and a direct contact with 112 option.
Although the emergency services number, 112, can be called from a mobile phone with no signal, a victim in a tense situation may not be able to do so.
Shop, bar, bank or petrol station staff being held up at knifepoint or gunpoint would be risking their lives if they made a phone call, but with the Xàbia Alerta app on their phones, they merely have to touch two icons on their screen under the counter.
The same is true for a woman – or, indeed, a man – being attacked at night, followed home, or assaulted by a violent partner, or anyone involved in an aggravated breakin; if their phone is in their pocket, they can press a button without saying a word.
And the emergency service summons is automatic, meaning they will not have to have a conversation, making it particularly useful for foreign tourists, deaf people, those with speech impediments, or anyone in danger.
Someone who thinks they are facing a life-threatening health emergency, like a heart attack or stroke, is alone, and unable to articulate words to explain their symptoms would only have to reach for their mobile and touch the icon.
Before using the app, anyone who downloads it – free of charge – has to create an online profile with their DNI or NIE, address, full name, and phone number, which will be checked and approved by the police remotely, to prevent fraud or fake IDs.
Between swiping the icon and an alert flashing up on the police station computer, barely a second will pass, and the station will immediately get ready to attend the scene.
App users are also encouraged to have their geographical location function operative on their phones, so they can be traced straight away.
On the less-pressing front, Xàbia Alerta has an option for sending notifications to authorities 24 hours a day about problems with street furniture, such as blown lamp-post bulbs, obstacles in roads or pavements, or missing signs, which could create a hazard or major inconvenience.
Another function lets individuals and traders receive updates about traffic, weather or other safety issues in real time.
Xàbia Alerta only works when the mobile phone is within Jávea's boundaries – although it can be used by anyone, local resident or not.
It is only compatible with smartphones which use Google Play Store or Apple Store.