How to alert emergency services in any country via text with new smartphone app

The text includes the traveler’s name, location, blood type, and allergies. Photo by Peter Richmond.

A new Android app called Distress Signal has been launched as the ideal companion for anyone travelling to foreign countries. Using SMS and GPS services, it makes contacting the emergency services as quick and easy as sending a text message and could be a real life-saver.

The new app, also available for iPhone users, means that no matter where they are in the world, people can alert the emergency services of their problem. It sends an SMS containing their location, name, blood group and any allergies (which are entered on registering the app) so that the right help can be sent.