Emergency call via mobile app: Call for help without having to speak
With RSQnow, help is always available – for anyone, anywhere, at any time.
What do people who cannot speak do in an emergency? With the RSQnow emergency call app, anyone can make an emergency call at any time. With just a few taps on their mobile phone.
RSQnow connects emergency callers directly to the relevant PSAP, control centre, first responders, or other emergency teams. As a public emergency call app system, the RSQnow communication infrastructure can establish a direct link to the police or the fire and rescue services. It can also forward emergency calls from third-party software or be used, for example, in corporate emergency management, transport operations, or at major events.
Features and highlights of the emergency call app
Emergency call without speaking
RSQnow is an accessible alternative to voice-based emergency calls. This makes it particularly valuable for people with hearing or speech impairments. The emergency call app also provides greater safety and independence for people who struggle to express themselves in the local language or who find it difficult to make phone calls for other reasons.
Location tracking
Once the emergency call has been sent, the mobile app transmits the device’s location. This means that help can be sent to the correct location even if the caller does not know exactly where they are. The device's location is updated regularly throughout the emergency communication, enabling emergency services to locate callers even if they had to move away from the original emergency location.
Emergency query
RSQnow asks what has happened using a few questions that can be answered with a simple tap. Based on the answers, the relevant control centre is automatically identified and immediately receives all the information about the emergency. This allows the necessary support to be sent quickly and precisely to the identified emergency location.
Communication via chat
Any further questions can be clarified or instructions given via a chat between the caller and the control centre.
Silent emergency call
In situations where you do not wish to draw attention to yourself or the emergency call, the emergency app can also be used to send a so-called silent emergency call. This feature can be invaluable particularly in threatening situations and cases of domestic violence.
When a silent emergency call is sent, the app does not display any notifications or trigger any audible signals on the mobile phone. The control centre is also alerted to the situation, so it knows not to call back to ask for further details, for example.
Demo mode
In an emergency, it can be hard to react quickly while staying calm. To ensure they are well prepared for emergencies, users can get acquainted with the emergency app when no emergency is occurring. The RSQnow mobile app offers a demo mode for this purpose. This allows users to practise making an emergency call step by step, right down to the chat function, just as they would in a real emergency. The only difference is that no control centre is contacted.
Simple and complex at the same time
We embrace complexity, but ultimately, everything must be simple. One of the biggest challenges in developing RSQnow was therefore packing all the technical, specialist, legal, and data protection requirements into an intuitive, user-friendly interface.
After all, the emergency app should be accessible to everyone, especially in emergency situations. Users are often under immense pressure and possibly in shock, while every second counts. In such situations, nothing is more important than straightforward, intuitive user guidance.
To develop an accessible and easy-to-understand solution, our UX experts also sought advice from an agency specialising in plain language.
Powered by Open Source
Wherever possible and appropriate, we rely on free and open-source software in our work. We developed the RSQnow emergency app using React, React Native and PostgreSQL, amongst others. The project also uses Prometheus, Grafana, Sentry, Pretix, Redmine and AlchemyCMS.
RSQnow is much more than just a mobile app, though. Read on to find out what else forms part of our emergency communication infrastructure.
