By Staff Reporter
A new medical device, which alerts specially trained emergency teams within seconds of an incident occurring, has been introduced in Namibia by ATA International – Emergency & Medical Assistance (E.M.A.).
During the Namibia Tourism Expo 2018, ATA International launched their new Emergency Device for Namibia. After more than one year of intense testing all over the country ATA International – Emergency & Medical Assistance presented their new E.M.A. Watch and Device to the public.
The acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Mrs. Petronella Masabane, honoured Emergency & Medical Assistance (E.M.A.) with launching the watch to the public, corporate world and media.
The device looks like a smart watch, but can operate independently of the user’s smartphone, making it possible to pinpoint their exact location should an emergency arise.
Known as the E.M.A. system, the device allows users to access a range of services including medical attention, personal protection and travel assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
According to Mr.Fabian Martens, Managing Member of ATA International in Namibia explained that in Namibia an incident happens almost every minute of every day with around 70% occurs at home.
“This device aims to make the home life and travels safer through the push of a button and is particularly suited to the elderly, single people, families, business and those who travel a lot.” Mr. Martens stressed.
He however added that once the E.M.A. System is activated, Emergency Care Practitioner within the control centre is notified of the location and the appropriate response can be made whether an ambulance and Paramedic, Fire Brigade, Police, towing service, plumbing emergency or other emergency assistance.
All personal information is kept secure and only the appropriate information is shared in line within stringent data protection protocols.
The service is currently available in both Namibia and South Africa; however, given the global positioning (GPRS) technology, can be used when travelling abroad as well.
The device can be purchased and further information on accessing the service is available via the ATA International Service Hotline 061-302 931 or online www.ata-international.com.na
The E.M.A. Services and devices are currently available at all Service Centres of ATA International in Windhoek, Ondangwa and Walvis Bay. In addition to this someone can also order it via email at ema@ata-international.com.na.
When asked how the public can get this, Mr. Martens added that “The E.M.A. Watch and device cost a once off fee and then a monthly subscription. The cost are depending if the client is a pensioner, family or business. Pensioners get a very special rate. Currently we have a launch special running.”
In his view, in 2016 ATA International Namibia in collaboration with the University of Cologne and the Ministry of Health & Social Services did a research on the Emergency Services in Namibia.
“Here it shows that Namibia has over 80 emergency numbers which the most are not known to the Namibian public. As in an emergency every second counts ATA International was thinking on how we can assist. Especially our elders do not know the numbers. We were
looking for a system, which can assist the whole family and together with our developers for technical support and IT we came up with the E.M.A.System to assist the whole family and businesses” he pointed out.
The initiative started off the ground in the middle of 2016. At that time the development took place. In 2017 the system was tested around Namibia, to make sure, that the most parts of the country are covert. The trial phase was a great success. At the Namibia Tourism Expo 2018 was the official launch by the acting Permanent Secretary of Health and ATA International.
The system is available and works in whole Namibia and Africa. “Through our network of Emergency Service Providers we can assist everyone who has the E.M.A. Watch or Device in the whole country and while they are travelling.”
Mr. Martens further told Caprivi Vision that the system covers 95% of the population of Namibia. “Through GPRS it is often independent of the cell phone network. The cell phone network still assists with the communication between our Emergency Control Centre and the client. Our Emergency Control Centre operates 24/7 and the client is directly connected with an Emergency Care Practitioner who will assist in any Emergency situation.”
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