When it comes to travelling, planning doesn’t only apply to your trip itinerary and bookings – you should also make preparations for any potential emergencies. Luckily, technology can go a long way in helping you during unforeseen incidents. Here are a few apps that can assist you in an emergency on your travels.

mySOS SA

MySOS SA is an emergency app that you can use in a pinch. It can activate an emergency alert for different services, including medical, fire and police. The app is also able to provide your exact location to responders and inform your close contacts that you are in an emergency. 

Another tool included in it is the ability to find, contact or navigate to the nearest essential service to your location. This includes hospitals, pharmacies, police stations and vets.

MySOS is available for Android and iOS.

Namola

Namola is another emergency response app that South Africans can use. The app includes a panic button that alerts Namola operators to contact you immediately. They will direct emergency responders to your phone’s GPS location. You can also add emergency contacts who will be notified in the event of an emergency. 

Namola is available for Android and iOS.

First Aid – IFRC 

If you need to provide first aid while waiting for emergency responders, the First Aid app by IFRC can guide you through some basic steps. 

These include emergencies such as allergic reactions, asthma attacks and bleeding injuries. The app even preloads content so that you can access safety information even when you have no signal. It also helps you prepare for natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes. 

First Aid – IFRC is available for Android and iOS.

Note: Remember to update your ICE contact

Your ICE contact is your In Case of Emergency contact. This contact is used by first responders and police if you are incapacitated. If emergency personnel are able to search through contacts on your phone, they will search for a contact with ‘ICE’ saved with their name. Both Apple and Android phones also have emergency information cards. (On Apple, it forms part of your Medical ID.) You can also list if you have any medical conditions or allergies and if you are on any medication.

Always ensure that you have sufficient data to use your apps while on the move: click here to find out more about Vodacom data bundles.

Header photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash