Calm in the Chaos: How HelpStation Uses AI to Guide Emergency Responses

Six months after its launch in May 2024, HelpStation’s NLP-powered emergency assistant is proving to be one of the platform’s most impactful innovations yet. The feature, which uses Natural Language Processing (NLP) to guide users during medical emergencies, was designed to offer real-time, calming support in moments of crisis, bridging the critical gap between an incident and the arrival of first responders.

Conceptualized and led by Uzoma Emenike, Senior Product Manager at HelpStation, the AI-powered tool is now gaining widespread praise for its simplicity, effectiveness, and human-like responsiveness. “We found that in many emergencies, users freeze or don’t know how to communicate clearly what’s happening,” Uzoma explained. “With this NLP-driven support,the app can ask simple but vital questions like, ‘Is the person breathing?’, ‘Are they bleeding?’, or ‘Is the person conscious?’, and guide the user through the next safe steps.”

Whether typed or spoken, user responses are interpreted by the AI to adaptively deliver relevant prompts and first-aid instructions. For instance, if the user indicates bleeding, the bot walks them through immediate steps like applying pressure and keeping calm. If unconsciousness is reported, it may suggest placing the individual in the recovery position or clearing the airway.

Launched in May 2024, the feature was built with the Nigerian user in mind, recognizing local language variations and ensuring that guidance was medically accurate yet easy to follow. Uzoma’s team collaborated closely with paramedics, linguists, and local healthcare professionals to create an experience that was both intuitive and effective.

“We weren’t just building a feature; we were building a lifeline,” Uzoma said. “Every second counts in a crisis, and with this tool, we can buy time, save lives, and give users a sense of calm and clarity amid panic.”

Since going live, the AI assistant has driven a 27% increase in successful emergency reporting. Feedback collected over six months shows that users, especially elderly individuals and those unfamiliar with emergency protocols, found the tool helpful, easy to use, and reassuring. Reviews highlight its “calming tone,” “step-by-step clarity,” and the ability to give people “something to do when they feel helpless.”

The feature is currently available in English and Pidgin, with Hausa and Yoruba versions in development. HelpStation’scontinued investment in AI-driven innovation reinforces its mission to make healthcare accessible, intelligent, and responsive for every Nigerian.

As the numbers and stories keep coming in, it’s clear that the AI assistant is more than just a tech upgrade. It’s a life-saving companion for users in their most vulnerable moments, and a powerful example of how product leadership, empathy, and artificial intelligence can combine to make a real difference.