Alerto – Emergency Response App

One life lost to delay was enough — Alerto ensures no one waits in silence.

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Inspiration

During my third year of university, everything changed. I had just returned home from my exams when I found my father on the verge of passing away. He wasn’t sick. There were no warnings. I froze. He looked at me from the door — I will never forget that moment. I lost all sense of what to do. My sister reminded me, “Maryam, give CPR — you know it.” I did. I tried. But he didn’t respond. We called an ambulance — they didn’t pick up right away. When they finally responded, they couldn’t find the route to our house. We lost crucial time. That moment shattered me. I felt everything had ended. But when I returned to university, my supervisor gave us a project idea — “Build something that helps in emergencies.” That hit straight to my heart. I knew this was my chance to build something meaningful — something that might save someone else’s parent.

What it does

Alertois a real-time emergency response app designed to give ordinary people the tools to act fast. The app helps users:

  • Locate nearby AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) using Google Maps Platform.
  • Find Red Cross resources such as first aid points or support centers.
  • Share their exact GPS location in an emergency so rescuers or bystanders can reach them faster.
  • Instead of waiting helplessly for help, bystanders can immediately find lifesaving equipment and trusted resources nearby — turning minutes of panic into moments of action.

How we built it

  • I developed the core logic and functionality using Flutter.
  • We used Firebase for user authentication, cloud data storage, real-time tracking.
  • Google Maps API powers the live location view and routing system for rescuers.
  • My sister helped me design the UI to be simple and clear for anyone to use — even in panic.
  • My friend helped choose the name Alerto.
  • My supervisor and mentor guided me every step of the way through architecture and decision-making.

Challenges we ran into

  • Reliving that traumatic night while designing the solution — building this app was emotionally heavy, but it gave me purpose.
  • Working tirelessly for 2 months, often with little sleep, just to bring the basic version of Alerto to life.
  • Ensuring live tracking worked seamlessly using Firebase Firestore— maintaining real-time sync across users was technically demanding.
  • Designing a UI that performs clearly and quickly during real emergencies — it had to be fast, easy to understand, and work under pressure.
  • I also ran into limitations with Google Maps’ Directions API, exceeding the free cap of 10,000 requests during development. I reached out to their support team, and they sponsored me by waiving most of the fees. In the end, I only had to pay $12.47, and their support meant everything to me as a student developer.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

  • Turning the most painful moment of my life into a project that could save others. -Building a functional emergency app — with AED/Red Cross locator, live GPS tracking, and clear instructions — in just 2 months.
  • Receiving support and sponsorship from Google Maps API team, who waived charges when I exceeded usage limits during testing.
  • Designing a clean, intuitive interface with help from my sister, making sure it's usable even in panic situations.
  • Learning and integrating multiple Firebase services (Authentication, Firestore, Realtime Database, Cloud Messaging) and APIs as a student developer.
  • Hearing from others that this app could truly make a difference — that is my biggest achievement.
  • And finally, completing this as my final year project — I poured my heart into it, and I truly hope I get an A.

What we learned

  • That technology built with heart can create real impact.
  • How to build cross-platform apps using Flutter, optimized for both low-end and modern devices.
  • Deep integration of Firebase for real-time features, data sync, and authentication.
  • Importance of user experience in high-stress moments — every second matters in an emergency.
  • That help can come from unexpected places — like when the Google Maps team stepped in to support me during development.
  • Most importantly: that grief, when channeled into action, can become purpose — and that purpose can solve real-world problems.

What's next for Alerto – Emergency Response App

Expand the database of AEDs and Red Cross resources worldwide. Partner with local health orgs to verify AED locations. Release more versions with improved features and real-world testing.

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