WSU-Alert: Emergency Response System (ERS) for Students

The safety and well-being of students are critical in educational institutions. Like many universities, Walter Sisulu University (WSU), is grappling with crime, gender-based violence, and medical emergencies that affect campus quality of life. Preliminary investigation found that existing reporting methods used for fire, crime/violent incidents, and health emergencies are outdated resulting in delayed responses that put life at risk and in some instances, resulting in loss of life or valuable assets. This research explored how technology can address the challenges faced at WSU by developing a WSU-ALERT emergency response system that helps in real-time reporting using mobile devices and incorporating a global position system (GPS), and a cloud database. Design Science Research methodology was used for this work as it supports the development of technological solutions to problems. The WSU-ALERT was tested experimentally. Results proved that it is possible to enhance campus safety with real-time emergency reporting systems for fire, crime/violent incidents, and health emergencies.