Emergency Alert App With Structured Reporting for Mass Shootings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency number systems fail during mass shootings due to high call volumes, conflicting reports, and network overload, leading to inadequate communication of critical information to first responders, which increases casualty rates.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device application that allows users to report emergencies, generate lockdown procedures, transmit emergency reports, and communicate with authorities, while a response dashboard determines lockdown status and provides real-time venue maps and user updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the emergency number system is used during mass shootings, then emergency services can be contacted, but the system becomes overloaded and non-functional due to high call volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the emergency communication system into multiple independent channels: text-based alert system, location sharing module, and structured incident reporting. This segmentation allows the system to handle emergencies without overloading traditional voice-based 911 systems, as users can report incidents through text messages that don't occupy voice channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile application as an intermediary between users and emergency services. This intermediary processes and structures emergency information before transmission to dispatch centers, filtering and organizing data into standardized formats that reduce the burden on emergency operators and improve processing efficiency.
2Loss of information
If traditional emergency systems are used during mass shootings, then emergency services can be contacted, but critical information is not conveyed effectively due to network overload and call volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by automatically collecting and structuring critical information (location, incident type, casualty count, weapon type) before emergency services are contacted. The mobile app pre-fills incident reports with available data and guides users through structured questioning, ensuring that when information is transmitted to dispatch centers, it is complete and organized, eliminating the need for operators to ask multiple follow-up questions during high-stress situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of emergency communication by transitioning from voice-based to text-based primary communication during incidents. Text messages can convey structured data (location coordinates, incident classification, casualty numbers) more efficiently than voice, and can be processed automatically by computer systems, improving both information retention and processing speed.
3Loss of time
If emergency number systems are used during mass shootings, then emergency services can be contacted, but response time is delayed due to network overload and inability to reach dispatch centers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by providing multiple adaptive communication pathways that adjust based on system conditions. If voice channels are available, the system can use them; if text channels are more reliable, it switches to text-based reporting. The system dynamically selects the most reliable transmission method and can send information through multiple channels simultaneously, ensuring that emergency reports reach dispatch centers regardless of which communication infrastructure is functioning.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of this disclosure relate to an emergency alert system for reducing risk during a crisis while providing emergency services with information related to the crisis. Other aspects relate to a portable electronic device for assisting a user through a crisis or emergency. The device may be a cell or mobile phone using any form of wired or wireless communication for augmenting information exchange with relevant authorities.