Call to Action: Removal of All Cell Phone Panic Buttons
Here’s Why:
As the pioneers of cell phone panic buttons in Africa, we inadvertently created a critical flaw in Generation 1 of our emergency service processing. This flaw, which has persisted for 21 years, resulted in significant delays for individuals in danger who pressed the panic button. Some users lacked time to seek help or provide essential information.
For 21 years, as a nation, we believed this was a groundbreaking tool for cell phones and their users, as did copycats and trailblazers. However, we must now acknowledge that this technology endangered lives.
Instead of immediate voice communication, users were connected to a system that prioritised Location Based Services (L.B.S.) and G.P.S. location tracking, often requiring additional steps like holding the button for a set time or waiting for a countdown clock to activate.
This delay endangered lives and hindered the ability of security, police, fire, medical, flight operations, and specialised emergency services to respond effectively. When individuals in danger cannot immediately communicate their situation, dispatching the appropriate resources has been delayed or missed altogether.
We have since corrected this issue in Generation 11 of our system.
Conclusion:
At this critical juncture, given the substantial risk posed by delayed responses, we urge the immediate removal of all existing cell phone panic buttons and the universal adoption of the Generation 11 InstantConnect Emergency Telecoms System. This system is significantly faster and more efficient than the old technology, surpassing both the users’ and dispatchers’ human capabilities in speed and thought. By always prioritising the user’s voice, this system will improve individuals’ safety and enhance the effectiveness of emergency services.
Learn more about InstantConnect and the journey of cell phone panic buttons here:
