This app can save your life in case of an emergency

Imagine the Google app, but with an option to seek help from anyone within a 500m radius in case of an emergency. GPS Directory, developed by city-based CMC Group, allows registered users to search for any service nearest to them while also offering an additional safety feature.

Launched by actress Sneha, the free app is available for Android and iOS. It allows people to find the nearest gourmet store, Italian restaurant, non-vegetarian mess, hospital, petrol pump, autorickshaw stand or even a Tasmac liquor outlet. "It's a mix of Justdial and SOS apps. It recommends places in order of nearest location and not based on the advertisements we get," said CMC spokesperson Shankar.

To use the safety option built into the app, press the red button, similar to the ones offered by fare aggregators Ola and Uber. A registered user can add three emergency contacts.When the red button is pressed, an automated phone call and message are send to the contacts.

"If all the three people are not reachable, the app sends alerts to other users of the app within a 500m distance, so there will always be someone to help you," said CMC chairman SI Nathan. "It also sends an SOS message to the inspector of the closest police station," he told. The app, which can be downloaded from Google Playstore and App Store, now has data only for Coimbatore, Chennai and Kerala. "We will soon feed in data for the entire country , so it can be used to find places or services anywhere," Nathan said.

President of the Indian Medical Association, Tamil Nadu, LP Thangavelu, said the app will be a boon for those who visit new cities. "While people in Coimbatore and Chennai may know the hospital, doctor or medical shop nearby, a visitor may not know about them.It also may help an accident victim reach out for help faster," he said.