Smartphone technology is helping riders stay alive with a host of emergency apps beat we should consider downloading.
While emergency smartphone apps are a good aid, they should never replace a call to the emergency phone number.
The emergency number is 000 in Australia, 911 in the US and 999 in the UK. However, because of the prevalence of American movies and TV shows around the world, 911 will now advert to your local emergency number.
Alternatively you can use 112 which is the international emergency number which works the same way as 000 in Australia but only on mobile networks.
Meanwhile, riders should also consider downloading these emergency apps on their phones.
ICE (In Case of Emergency):
This free app puts your emergency information on your lock screen so a first responder doesn’t have to know your password to access your phone.
You can add personal information such as your blood type, allergies, medications, next-of-kin contact details and much more. Even insurance details!
You can also print it out and store it in your wallet as an ID card in case the first responder doesn’t check your phone.
Emergency+
This free app helps callers find the relevant emergency number to dial and displays GPS coordinates, a map and a street address so you can read them to the emergency operator.
FollowMee GPS Tracker:
GPS Tracker by FollowMee converts your phone into a GPS tracking device. If you install the app on your phone, it quietly records its locations (GPS, WiFi, or cellular triangulation) periodically and uploads to a server. To monitor the location of your tracked device, you simply browse to the web site where you can see a map with the tracking points.This is great for those who worry about their partner’s whereabouts and safety.
Find My Friends: 
This free Android and Apple app allows your chosen friends to track where you are.
For privacy you can turn off the location settings, but if you leave it on, your nominated friend/s or relative/s can see where you are, so long as you have phone signal.
It may help emergency services find you in the case of an accident.
Red Cross First Aid:
This free app for Apple and Android is a comprehensive first-aid guide.
It’s more of a training app, but also a good app to have in case you have forgotten something and need a quick reminder or reference while attending a casualty.
St John Ambulance First Aid:
Like the Red Cross app, this is a training app that is also good for quick references.
It costs $4.49 and is available for Apple and Android.
There are also other apps you could consider, including Crashlight, that will alert emergency contacts if you are motionless for a certain amount of time or don’t arrive at your destination by a certain time, etc.
Adventure riders exploring remote areas where there is no phone reception should consider buying a satellite phone or an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) which alerts relevant services in an emergency by transmitting a coded message on the 406 MHz distress frequency via satellite and earth stations to the nearest rescue co-ordination centre.
Some EPIRBs also have built-in GPS which enables the rescue services to accurately locate you to +/- 50 metres.
It is also advised that you buy a portable battery charger for your phone because you may be on the line to the emergency services for a long time.
- Motorbike Writer strongly urges every rider to do the First Aid for Motorcyclist course.