'Uber for EMS': Iowa to test phone app to crowdsource providers
Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg said the pilot program will show whether the United Hatzalah product could address the lack of ambulance services in rural areas
By Leila Merrill
EMS1
DES MOINES, Iowa — The state plans to start testing a smartphone app that crowdsources emergency responders.
Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg said the United Hatzalah app is like Uber for EMS, KMALAND reported.
In Jerusalem, EMS providers are alerted to emergencies by the app and respond on specially equipped motorcycles. They work to stabilize each patient until an ambulance arrives.
Gregg said the average response time in Jerusalem is now about 90 seconds.
The Iowa pilot project is intended to determine whether the system could be adapted to address the lack of ambulance services in rural areas.
