SA tech startup launches national emergency services response app 

South African security tech startup Trigger has launched an on-demand national emergency services response app. The new and innovative app provides real-time access to a network of 220 independent armed responses, paramedics, roadside assistance operators, legal advice, and trauma counselling services.

Trigger has launched an affordable emergency response app for South Africa

The app aims to provide a solution to the growing demand for easy access to prompt and reliable emergency service response assistance. 

Morné Kruger, CEO of Trigger provides further insight into the aim of the app. 

 “Our aim with Trigger is not just to provide easy access to a smart affordable platform that gives subscribers a choice of emergency services all in one place, but also, in the long term, to enable a shift in behaviour. We want to facilitate a state of wellbeing and freedom to live life with confidence – wherever and whenever – knowing that if needed, assistance is available and can be expedited as quickly as possible.”

How does it work

Launching in 2021, Trigger’s new app utilises eHailing technology for some of its services. The app was born out of the need to create an affordable and accessible platform to assist locals in distress with an array of security or emergency service providers.

Each response partner is provided with an onboard response device, this enables Trigger to provide machine-to-machine dispatch service, removing the middle-man system of call centres.

Features: 

• Users are provided with access to the closest, approved armed response vehicle and other emergency services
• Response teams are provided an accurate location of the user in distress
• A users profile and key information is securely shared with the response service when a distress call is activated

The service is available with a lightweight and portable panic button that can be used by hikers, children, and cyclists. The service can simply be activated by pressing the button and an armed response will be notified to the user’s exact GPS-logged location. Any location or communication between users and response services is encrypted. 

According to Trigger, the device has a two-year battery life and sends out a message to the subscriber regularly to remind them to check their devices when the battery needs to be reviewed. 

Users are able to access the service via their smartphone or smart-wearable device.

The subscription-based app is available on both Android and iOS or via the Trigger website.

The costs

Users are able to access the service via a monthly subscription or a yearly subscription basis. 

These are the available plans and their costs: 

• Panic Individual: R39/month incl VAT
• Panic family of 4: R109/month incl VAT
• Platinum Individual: R99/month incl VAT
• Platinum Family of 4: R299/month incl VAT

Assisting one another

Trigger aims to provide a service that can assist all and as such subscribers are able to request assistance for a friend, even if they are not members of the service. 

A limited number of free callouts are available per user per year. 

Future plans

Trigger plans to launch an additional ultra-smart sensor alert device later this year.

“We also see our platform integrating into the smart home environment and an extended range of smart wearables (watches, clothing, etc) in the not-too-distant future, along with a host of complementary services that will make it easier for everyone to be empowered when it comes to accessing tools that can enhance their lives,” concludes Kruger.

Read more: New SA fintech startup aims to make travel affordable
Read more: New SA fintech launches tap-to-pay function 

Featured image: (Left to right Ben Booysen COO; Jo Booysen founder and Morné Kruger co-founder and CEO of Trigger (Supplied)