NAIROBI, Kenya, March 17 – Rescue.co has leveraged technology to address gaps in the emergency response system, reducing wait times from an average of 163 minutes to between 2 and 15 minutes, making it one of the fastest emergency coordination services in Kenya.
Emergency response times in Kenya remain a critical issue, often determining life or death in urgent situations.
Rescue.co, a technology-driven emergency dispatch platform, has managed to reduce response times to as little as two minutes, with a maximum of fifteen, positioning itself as one of the fastest emergency coordination services in the country.
The platform connects individuals, businesses, and organizations with a network of over 800 ambulances, as well as security teams and roadside assistance providers.
Rescue.co does not operate its own fleet but instead works with vetted responders to ensure rapid dispatch.
Rescue.co was founded in 2016 by Caitlin Dolkart, who began researching emergency response patterns in Kenya while observing ambulance arrivals at Kenyatta National Hospital.
She later expanded her research at Aga Khan Hospital, leading to the development of a centralized system that tracks and coordinates emergency transport.
“We don’t own ambulances, aircraft, or tow trucks,” Dolkart said. “Instead, we work with vetted partners to ensure that when a call comes in, the nearest available responder is dispatched immediately.”
The dispatch system relies on real-time coordination. Salli, the head of dispatch as well as general manager, explained that each emergency call is handled by three operators: a call taker, a dispatcher, and a radio operator.
“For the system to work effectively, there has to be complete coordination. That’s why, when a call comes in, three people are listening in at the same time,” she said. “Every action happens simultaneously, ensuring a faster response.”
The integration of GPS tracking has been cited as a key factor in improving response times.
Rescue.co has linked its system with ride-hailing platform Bolt, allowing emergency responders to pinpoint a caller’s exact location.
Dolkart noted that lack of clear addresses has been a significant challenge in emergency response across Kenya, especially in remote areas; however, they are able to beat the odds.
“By integrating with Bolt, we are able to dispatch responders to the precise coordinates of an emergency,” she said.
CEO Rescue.co noted that they are working in collaboration with the government to enhance maternal healthcare.
The company has integrated MamaLink, a platform that facilitates emergency transport for expectant mothers.
The system ensures that pregnant women experiencing complications can quickly access the nearest available ambulance, reducing delays that often contribute to maternal mortality.
Rescue.co provides emergency response services through membership plans, which include medical evacuations by air and road ambulances, as well as roadside assistance.
Darshani, who is the commercial director, outlined the available options.
“We have an annual plan that covers emergency air evacuation, ambulance services, and roadside assistance,” she said. “For visitors, there is a 30-day package that includes all three services. We also have a roadside assistance plan that provides coverage for both ambulances and road rescue throughout the year.”
With emergency response often being the difference between life and death, reducing wait times has remained a challenge in Kenya.
Dolkart believes that technology and coordination are key to solving this problem.
“Emergencies are unpredictable, but the speed of response can make all the difference. Our goal is to ensure that when someone calls for help, they get it as fast as possible,” she said.
The platform continues to expand its network, as emergency response infrastructure in Kenya remains fragmented and often unreliable.
With emergency services still facing challenges in efficiency and coordination, Rescue.co’s model reflects an evolving approach to emergency management, leveraging technology to address gaps in the system.
