A former Northland couple have designed a smartphone application for people to use in an emergency.
It was an idea first mooted over drinks with friends and six months later the idea has become reality with the release of the "emergency help me" application.
Elle Gurnick and Aaron Peacock, originally from Whangarei and now living in Brisbane, are now hoping their "life savings" they have invested into the phone app will start paying returns.
Ms Gurnick said for less than $1 people could have peace of mind in the palm of their hands.
"This could mean the difference between saving a life or some one being left in a ditch. We haven't made it to become millionaires, we have made it to give people security."
The application is downloaded on to either an android or iPhone.
It enables users to message friends for help in an emergency.
A message is sent to nominated person and it contains a link to your current location. This is done using the GPS tracking built into the phone. The emergency mode can also record audio.
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The couple have eight children between them and while they hope the kids will never have to use the app at least they have something that could save them in an emergency situation.
They hope to donate a percentage of the sales profit to victims of crime.
If you want more information check out: http://helpmeemergency.wordpress.com/ and they are also on face book.