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911 Response24 turns your phone into a mobile panic button
Live track-and-trace technology gives users a sense of accountability and peace of mind that help is on the way.
South Africa’s high crime rate and low service delivery prompted the need for an application that holds parties accountable for saving your life. Image: Response24
Coming soon, The Citizen has entered into an exciting partnership with 911 Response24 which will provide The Citizen Premium Members with exclusive 911 Response24 benefits.
Marlize Holtzhausen, the mind behind 911 Response24, did not take a brutal attack several years ago on her family lying down.
Quite the opposite, in fact. The terrible incident prompted the creation of 911 Rapid Response. This practical response to something that would have rendered most people helpless has in turn ensured that others will not have to go through the same trauma.
911 Response24 is a downloadable app that turns your phone into a mobile panic button. Users are able to request armed response assistance, as well as ambulance services. But the possibilities are endless, as crime continues to change and adapt.
The newest feature includes access to an embassy, which tackles issues travellers may have while visiting South Africa.
The app has nabbed Holtzhausen the prestigious Global Award for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Google Fest. And this is just the beginning.
Holtzhausen is a one-woman powerhouse, with years of experience working in mobile technology and communication. With the help of ER24, she was able to make assisting anyone with medical emergency a reality.
The main objective of the application, says Holtzhausen, is to stop crime before it escalates. Being able to silently call for help assists in reducing the rate of rape and murder, and assists in dealing with trauma in the long-term, she explains. In addition, the app is easy to use, which means children can also assist.
She also addresses the fact that most South Africans are faced with high crime levels, but slow service delivery.
“This application ensures that you get help real fast and that everyone that is supposed to respond is held accountable through the live updates [and] live track-and-trace capability of everyone involved in the app.”
The Citizen had a chance to catch up with Holtzhausen, and pick her brain about the continuous evolution of crime, how the app intends assist victims, and what inspired her to give a voice to the voiceless.
Watch the clip about it with her below:
For security and peace of mind, right in your pocket, check out the app, available for free download on Google Play.
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