1. How do I register to use the Metro Alert App for the first time?

   To get started, you first must download and install the App on your device; for iPhone download from the Apple App Store and for Android download from the Google Play Store. Once installed, open and start the Metro Alert application to begin the registration process using the navigation steps below:
   
   Please note: You must register and be “authorized” by your agency to use the app “MedFlight Helo Alert” request feature. If you do not need to use the “MedFlight Helo Alert”, you do not need to register. When registering, for both iPhone and Android versions, it is very important that all registration form information is accurate and complete. Please avoid using abbreviations or other shorthand to describe your dispatch center's name, agency, or hospital.
   
   1. Please select "MedFlight of Ohio" Columbus OH from the program list.
   2. Agree to the terms and conditions to use the app.
   3. Agree to the acknowledgement of confidentiality of patient health information.
   
   As noted above, the additional steps are only required if you wish to use the "MedFlight Helo Alert" feature:
   
   1. On the “MedFlight Helo Alert” screen, press “Continue”. (Internet data services are required)
   2. Please complete the form by providing all required field information. Remember; please provide accurate and complete information. This information is needed to complete the registration approval process and to ensure that the correct local dispatch center is contacted for activation requests.
   3. User logon authentication is also required to use this feature. Your login user name will be the email address that you used to register with. Your password must be at least six characters and is case specific. Please make note of your password.
   
   Once you are approved for activation, you will be sent an email and also receive a push alert on your mobile device.

2. What if I get a new phone or device? Do I need to do anything regarding the use of the MetroAlert App?

   Yes, it is the actual device that is registered, NOT the person who owns it. So if you get a new phone or device, you must download and re-register your new device.

3. What if I forget my password or need to change it?

   To reset or change your password you must first remove the application from your device, download and re-install, and then re-register you and the device for MedFlight Helo activation.

4. I work for multiple agencies. When I register to be able to use the app, which should I use?

   Please use your primary agency. The Metro Alert application can only be registered to one agency and local dispatch center per device. When the Metro Alert app is used to request the helicopter while working for a secondary agency, you can notify our Communications Center during the activation process.

5. Will the MetroAlert App be used to bypass incident command or local 911 protocols?

   No, using the app’s MedFlight Helo Alert activation request feature does not bypass your normal 911 dispatch protocols and is meant as an aid for early activation to request a medical helicopter. This is accomplished by capturing your GPS coordinates and request specifics to send to MedFlight’s Communications Center. Once received by our Communications Center, your request will be acknowledged back to you through the mobile app who will then immediately contact your registered dispatch center or hospital unit to confirm the request and obtain further information.

6. Can the MetroAlert App be used to request the helicopter when en route to the scene vs. upon arrival?

   Yes! To save valuable minutes, as soon as you think you will need a helicopter! This process allows us to start the activation process much earlier and although the GPS coordinates will not be those of the actual scene, text can be added to the request to alert MedFlight’s Communication Center that you are en route and will update GPS coordinates once at scene.

7. What if someone intentionally misuses the app to launch the helicopter?

   Mistakes will happen and MedFlight reviews all user registration requests and will only activate and grant access to the Helo Activation module once your respective agency has been contacted and you have been approved for Helo activation use by your supervisory personnel. If inappropriate utilization of this module occurs by an individual, access will be terminated immediately and your agency contacted.

8. Can I request multiple helicopters using the app?

   Yes! By utilizing the secure text capabilities of the Helo Activation module, you can notify our Communications Center that multiple aircraft are needed. We’ll coordinate the resources you need – including utilizing other air medical programs to dispatch the most appropriate helicopter given GPS your location. We will also keep your dispatch center notified of all incoming aircraft.

9. Will I receive updates or push notifications on the estimated time of arrival of the aircraft? (ETA)

   Yes! Utilizing the apps’s built-in ETA push notification feature, MedFlight’s Communications Center will keep you updated once the aircraft has lifted and is en route to your destination.

10. Can I use the app on an iPad or other tablet devices?

    The App will run on an iPad or Android tablet with reliable data and cellular service capabilities; however it was specifically designed to run on iPhone and Android mobile phones.

11. Do I need to enable "Location Services" on my mobile device for the Helo Request Module to work?

    Yes, for the MedFlight Helo Activation to work properly, Location Services must be enabled. It is not necessary for the other App modules.

12. Can my 911 dispatch center participate and see my text messages I send from the scene?

    Absolutely! With installation of Metro Alert Dispatch Console application at your local 911 dispatch, MedFlight’s Communication Center can include them in on the scene request to allow your dispatch center to view and participate in the secure communication between MedFlight and you!.

13. What if I'm in an area with limited/reduced cellular services; will the app still work?

    The App is specifically designed for secure data transmission which requires cellular or WiFi data services.

14. Is the MetroAlert App HIPAA compliant?

    Yes! Data communication is protected and sent using strong data encryption technologies. Additionally, all text conversations are never stored and permanently removed from the requestor’s mobile device once the request is completed.

Questions?

Do you still have a question about registration? How about a question regarding who should use MetroAlert? We're happen to answer these and any other questions you might have. You can reach us using the form below, by emailing [email protected] or by calling (614) 734-8125.