Established in 2009, ‘iMergencies’ offers a unique service to expats living in the Algarve. In the event of an emergency, it enables them to telephone for help using their own first language.
Additionally, the service provides detailed guidance to emergency vehicles bringing them with maximum efficiency to the point where they are needed. Recent statistics show that of the 28 nationalities enrolled in the ‘iMergencies’ scheme the slowest uptake has been by the local British community.
This surprising statistic does not reflect concerns usually expressed by Britain’s living abroad. Health issues, household break-ins, the language-barrier and coping with a crisis are often cited as particular worries.
For instance, when dialling the standard emergency number – 112 – the operator is unlikely to speak English. The caller is reliant on their Portuguese language skills. Being in an anxious state it can be hard to explain what has happened and all too often the situation is misunderstood and the address unclear.
By telephoning ‘iMergencies’, English speaking staff take control of the problem. Immediately summoning an emergency vehicle and speaking in Portuguese, they will guide the crew to exactly where they are needed. This guidance is extremely helpful since not all emergency vehicles in Portugal are equipped with GPS, and time can be wasted finding the correct location.
For homeowners living in remote or difficult-to-find properties, staff at the ‘iMergencies’ centre will be able to explain the quickest route using a pre-prepared map.
Prospective clients thinking of joining the scheme are visited by a member of the ‘iMergencies’ staff team. Special note is taken of the property and the most convenient means of access; for future reference this information is logged onto a computer generated map. Other useful details are put on file such as blood group, current medications and allergies.
A plastic card is issued carrying this information, ensuring that should the client become incapacitated, essential health information is easily available.
For a small annual fee, the service is available by phone on a 24/7 basis.
For an additional monthly fee, a panic button or a bracelet can be supplied. This is a high-tech, satellite-supported alarm. If activated – even when the client is far away from home – their whereabouts can be traced and a conversation conducted through the panic button. In the case of a robbery, a special ‘silent’ facility is available. When pressed this allows the ‘iMergencies’ centre to listen in to what is happening and to contact the police without alerting the thief.
‘iMergencies’ is a public service and part of the group – SOS – ECDE – (Em Caso de Emergência) International.
912 391 022 (Mark Rink) | 707 910 058 | www.imergencies.com
By Carolyn Kain
