METRO AVIATION RELEASES UPDATE FOR INNOVATIVE METROALERT APP

February 18, 2014

Innovation never sleeps. With that in mind, Metro Aviation released an update to its lifesaving app, MetroAlert. The app is provided to operations customers of Metro Aviation at no cost and can decrease helicopter response time by up to five minutes.

When air transport is needed, hospitals and first responders can use MetroAlert to instantly notify the Metro program in their area and send GPS coordinates using the “Helo Alert” function. The latest update improves the communication path for communication centers by utilizing encrypted SSL transmission through a desktop application. First responders receive real-time updates on the estimated arrival time of the aircraft, and communication center personnel have the ability to add other users to active transports, for instance a cardiologist or ER doctor.

App users in the field also have the ability to send photos to the communication center, without that photo being stored on their phone. When all users are accessing the updated version of the app, MetroAlert is HIPAA-compliant. When data connectivity is limited, the app will revert to SMS messaging, but not before warning the user that they are no longer using a secure connection.

“This upgrade is the result of input from our customers using the traditional version of the app,” said Metro Aviation Director of Business Integration Todd Stanberry. “We have been working on this update for quite some time and I am confident that the new release will render an already great tool even greater, with the ultimate goal of improved communication between our customers and their customers always paramount.”

Metro Aviation enlisted Cyber Technology Group (“CTG”), headed by Don Rucker, to customize the app when they first acquired it in 2012. Rucker echoed Stanberry’s sentiment of innovation. “When we built this version, we avoided rushing through any steps and Metro ensured everyone’s input was factored into the final product. We will continue to rely heavily on feedback from Metro customers and their end users to continually improve this cutting-edge technology.”

MetroAlert is free and currently available in the app store for the iPhone and Android devices. MetroAlert may be utilized by any EMS partner within the service area of a Metro Aviation customer.

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