The My112 app is designed to provide a quick and convenient way for users to contact emergency services and receive assistance in potentially life-threatening situations. With the additional data connectivity, devices can supplement the operator-provided location information with more precise device-provided location, which will make it easier for the emergency responders assigned to the scene to assist the person in need. The original purpose of the app was to provide better tracking information from users during an emergency. So, when a user makes a call, the emergency responders can see the route they have taken in the last 10 hours.
To use the app, users simply need to download the app, open it and press the "SOS" button. This will immediately initiate a call to the emergency services, and the app will automatically provide the user's location and other relevant information to the operator.
The My112 app also includes other features such as reverse tracking to check the location from the past days. If the user has the option of active tracking, by means of a request from the police the emergency responders can check the last position the user had.
A general warning is now sent to all phones that have installed the app, and then a more specific warning is sent only to people in the area that is at risk.
A minimum knowledge of technologies is required (for users) . Users must be familiar with this sort of app in the app stores (iOS and Android). Furthermore, despite its simple interface, citizens must know how to activate the tracking system in the app and know which buttons to press in case of an emergency.
Citizens should trust that the tracking information they provide during the last 10 days is vital to know the whereabouts of the citizen in case of an emergency. If the citizens do not trust the authority, they will not use the app.
It is relevant for citizens to acknowledge the degree of relevance that features such as tracking may provide in case of an emergency. Citizens may not be fully aware of the dangers of not having a timely and efficient response from emergency services.
Early in January 2021, an extratropical storm named Storm Filomena brought exceptionally heavy snowfall to portions of Spain, with Madrid experiencing its greatest snowfall in more than a century.
Evaluation
The 'My112' app facilitated citizens to spontaneously collaborate with each other in case of need (e.g., transportation of medicines and groceries, helping the elderly, and registering volunteers) by using the My112 as a connecting point between these two groups. This spontaneous collaboration only happened during this unlikely event. There is no evidence that this spontaneous collaboration became a feature of the 'My112'
The emergency responders may consult the calls received with emergency positioning and tracking. During the aftermath of the winter storm, no public record has been released to assess its effectiveness. However, the emergency responders are confident that it helped to speed up the response time during the storm, especially with the elderly.
-Due to privacy rights and user concerns in the app stores, some restrictions were put in place that in turn slowed down reaching the population.
-There have been some issues with the app running on iOS that haven't been fixed.
-People need to be persuaded of downloading the app because there is a distrust of people towards this app and its handling of personal data.
-Despite the advertising campaigns, the app downloads were not as expected (less than 10%)