In developed countries, there are emergency numbers for citizens to call when they run into a situation that requires urgent attention. Especially during health crises, accidents and crimes. Sadly, that’s not the case with Nigeria. Hundreds of people have died from road accidents, cardiovascular diseases, and pregnancy complications. Simply because there are no emergency responders and no good medical response. This is what Emergency Response Africa is trying to solve.
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Emergency Response Africa is a healthcare startup that leverages technology to improve medical emergencies. First in Nigeria, then towards the rest of Africa. It was founded in 2019 by Nigeria’s Folake Owodunni as CEO and Ghana’s Maame Yaa Afriyie Poku as CTO. ERA has a large network of First Responders, ambulances, and hospitals across Nigeria. Emergency victims are connected to these resources through the ERA application. This Is to ensure that victims get the right level of care at the scene and aftercare at the hospital if needed.
Since its inception, ERA’s network has grown to include 25 first responders, 40 ambulances and 30 hospital partners, with representation in multiple states. They have responded to over 700 incidents with an average response time of 9 minutes. ERA has also been able to partner with other health tech companies and health insurers to improve their services. Again, the startup has been able to make money through fees for services and subscriptions. This ensures that the company grows and scales its operations. It has recently graduated alongside 6 African startups from the Techstars Toronto accelerator spring cohort programme.
Who can benefit from ERAs services?
Most HMO plans only become effective once you get to the hospital. But what happens before then. One can only be treated if one gets to the hospital alive.
This is where the Era emergency response plan comes in. The plan ensures that you have protection from the moment emergency strikes. And ensures you get to the hospital in stable condition. ERA serves two groups
Individuals and Families
- Individuals who want an emergency care package that is fast and reliable.
- Families with young children and/or elderly parents living with them.
- Individuals managing chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension etc.
Groups and Corporate
- HMOs
- Residential estates
- Professional and trade associations
- SMEs in logistics, recreation and fitness, schools, nursing and nanny agencies
- Large malls/retail locations, construction, manufacturing, hotels
- Places of worship
What’s next for the ERA team?
Lack of emergency response is a challenge facing many African countries. There is an estimated 100million emergency incidents annually in Africa, so the market opportunity is huge.
Thus, ERA’s goal now is to strengthen its emergency network in key locations across Nigeria. This will strengthen them and their position as the go-to emergency services provider. It has also received $120,000 funding ($100,000 convertible note and $20,000 stipend), hands-on mentorship, and access to Techstars’ network of experienced founders From the accelerator programme it just graduated from. It’s an opportunity for them to get new ideas, understand the problem they are solving and improve their business models. They also plan to strengthen their partnerships with both private and public sectors. With what they have learnt in the program and the funding it received, they will be taking over Africa within the next three years. As well as introduce other emergency types.
Final words.
ERA provides you and your family with an emergency response at your fingertips. You can download their mobile application and get help at the touch of a button. In case of medical, fire, police or other emergencies, the app will provide all the information you need to get help fast.
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