About ERA
Our Impact
Emergency Response Africa partners with governments to establish and operate effective emergency services through public-private partnerships and technical collaborations to achieve SDG 3 -[Good Health and Wellbeing], while also contributing to SDG 8 – [Decent Work and Economic Growth], and SDG 17 – [Partnership for the Goals].
Helping Africa achieve the Sustainable Development Goals
Every year, millions of Africans are lost to preventable death caused by sudden illnesses, road accidents, and trauma. In addition to the widespread impact of communicable diseases like malaria and diarrhea, the growing prevalence of “silent” non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory conditions, and cancer is putting more people at risk of sudden illness and preventable deaths. Research indicates that more than half of all deaths that occur in lower middle income countries can be prevented through timely emergency response.
Unfortunately, less than 9% of the African continent is covered by formal emergency medical services systems.Where these systems exist, just 3 out of 100 citizens call for help in an emergency, choosing instead to take matters into their own hands, because they are not sure that the system is reliable.
As African governments move to deliver Universal Health Coverage and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, emergency response offers an important solution for improving access to care.
How we are helping Africa achieve the SDGs
Our technology-enabled emergency response solution is contributing significantly to the achievement of SDG 3 – Good health and wellbeing. Learn more about the targets we are contributing to.
By also contributing to the development of the paramedic workforce and fostering stronger relationships between public and private sectors, we also contribute to the achievement of SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 17 – Partnership for the Goals.
Global maternity mortality
Reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births
Reduce neonatal mortality
End/Reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births
Global deaths and Injuries
Halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.
Universal health coverage
Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, and access to safe, effective, affordable and quality essential health-care services
Hazardous chemicals and air
Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
Health workforce
Substantially increase health financing and the recruitment, development, training and retention of the health workforce in developing countries, small island developing States.
Health risk capacity
Strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks.
By also contributing to the development of the paramedic workforce and fostering stronger relationships between public and private sectors, we also contribute to the achievement of SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 17 – Partnership for the Goals.
Theory of Change
Effective emergency medical services
is a tool for economic growth
How we make our impact
The Inputs
The Inputs
- Intelligent dispatching, data sharing and end-to-end communication using mobile technology
- Training and equipping healthcare workers and community as First Responders
- Verified emergency-ready ambulance and hospital partnerships, new vehicle types
How we make our impact
The Outputs
The Inputs
- Save lives in life-threatening cases
- Reduce wastage of limited hospital resources on non-critical cases
- Save families from financial ruin due to high costs or sudden loss of breadwinner
- Increase career and earning potential of health workers
How we make our impact
The Outcomes
The Inputs
- Improved key health indicators like life expectancy, maternal and infant mortality, preventable deaths etc.
- Country attracts and retains strong talent including healthcare workers
- Increased sense of safety and trust in the community; better place to live and do business
- Country experiences economic development
FAQs
How does Emergency Response Africa work?
When someone calls ERA, a trained First Responder will be notified on our app and be at the scene of your emergency in minutes. They will stabilize the emergency victim, treat where possible, and if advanced care is required, facilitate transport to one of our Emergency-Ready Hospital Partners. Our medics are highly trained, certified, and provided with quality equipment to deliver care in almost any setting. Whether you’re at home or on the roadside, you know you’re covered. Learn more about our plans.
I currently have a health insurance plan, why do I need emergency medical cover?
In an emergency, urgent care at the scene gives the highest chance of survival. While most health insurance plans are excellent as soon as you get to the hospital, Emergency Response Africa helps you get access to health services before getting to the hospital. We are currently building relationships with HMOs to make our service available as part of your insurance package. You can help us achieve this by referring us to your provider. Please make an introduction by emailing contact@emergencyresponseafrica.com.
Can I call the toll-free number anytime?
Yes! Our emergency helpline is available 24/7 and you can speak with a qualified medical professional. The on-site First Responder service is currently available 7 days a week between 9 am and 5 pm, while medical transportation to a hospital is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us when you need it and get end-to-end care. For non-emergency inquiries, you can email us at contact@emergencyresponseafrica.com.
What is the difference between ERA and other ambulance services?
ERA is the only prehospital care provider that offers both on-site First Responder services and medical transportation. The on-site First Responder service dispatches Medical First Responders on motorcycles in minutes who can triage, treat and discharge patients at the scene of the emergency. Medical transportation allows patients to be moved by ambulance to one of our Emergency-Ready Hospital partners. This approach saves time and money, ensuring you get the right level of care fast.
Is Emergency Response Africa a non-profit organization?
No. ERA is a social-enterprise, designed to be both affordable and profitable. We charge a subscription fee, entitling you to call us whenever you are in need. Our promise to you is that we will treat your emergency with urgency, excellence, and empathy, and you will get value for your money. Learn more about our plans.
