Emergency watch saves lives – Budapester Zeitung – 2024-03-17 13:43:48

Concern for old people

Written by Rita Solymár

Since the emergency call program for seniors over 65 was introduced two years ago, nearly 7,000 lives have been saved.

Zsolt Nyitrai, chief adviser to the prime minister, gave this number at a press conference. Accordingly, the emergency call center set up specifically for this innovative technology receives an average of 2,000 emergency calls every day.

Vigilantes on board

The Prime Minister’s Cabinet Office signed a cooperation agreement with the State Association of Citizens’ Guard (OPSZ) and used this opportunity to emphasize that the association, with its over 60,000 members, can always be relied upon when it comes to supporting old and needy people. But they also work to protect the environment and ensure the safety of people in rural areas. The Ministry of the Interior continuously supports the association with financial resources, modern equipment as well as vehicles and drones in order to make daily work easier, explained the chief advisor.

Smartwatch helps 600,000 seniors

In addition to public safety, caring for the elderly and infirm is also important to the government. For this reason, the emergency call program via smartwatch was launched. This is a unique initiative in Europe, which is now used by almost 600,000 seniors. The emergency watch allows you to continue to live in your own home and yet have the security of being able to get help at any time in an emergency.

The 24-hour emergency call center has 100 dispatchers on duty who answer an average of 2,000 (!) calls per day and provide adequate help to those in need.