A mobile phone is a lifeline in an emergency, allowing you to call the emergency services or just a friend to come and help you out. With a smartphone, though, you aren't just limited to calling. There are plenty of apps on the Ovi Store that can lend a hand in tricky circumstances. Remember, when the going gets tough, the tough get messaging..
mICE
Size: 0.379 MB
Price: £1.00
In Case of Emergency (ICE) is the idea of putting an emergency contact number in your phone's contacts, under the name ICE. it is the idea of a Cambridge-based paramedic and is encouraged by many NHS ambulance services. mICE tries to take that idea further with an app that can store emergency information such as ID, contact details and medical information for easy access by doctors, should you become incapacitated.
CPR Mentor
Size: 0.576 MB
Price: £4.00
When someone is struck with a heart attack, it is vital that they receive medical attention as soon as possible - CPR (Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, or 'heart massage') can be crucial in their survival and this app will give a visual tutorial of a proven method. Although we doubt anyone will be pausing to load up this app in the panic of an emergency, the instructions it contains could save a life.
PhonAlarm
Size: 0.22 MB
Price: £12.99
PhonAlarm will turn your mobile into a personal distress alarm that can be activated with the push of a button. Unlike conventional personal alarms, PhonAlarm will sound a loud siren and send a 'help!' SMS to a contact list of your choice, along with your current GPS coordinates. Get one for the smartphone-owning, housebound elderly relative in your life.
Near Here
Size: 2.744 MB
Price: £3.00
Near Here is a location-based information app that is normally used for fun stuff like finding the nearest decent restaurant or checking out cinema listings in your area. The app also comes packed with info that will be of use if you run into trouble, though - with just a few taps or buttons pushes you can find out the nearest pharmacist, police station or hospital and then place a call or get directions via Ovi Maps.
Smart SOS
Size: 0.307 MB
Price: £12.99
Smart SOS is another 'panic button' app, similar to PhonAlarm. Smart SOS allows you to send pictures to your would-be rescuers as well as your GPS coordinates and a polite, yet urgent, request for help. If you receive an MMS containing a picture of a growling bear plus a Google Maps link to somewhere in Alaska, chances are good that one of your close friends has bought this app, and may be late home.