FNB has facilitated nearly 2,400 security and medical emergency callouts through its GuardMe panic button feature since it was introduced in association with eBucks last year. GuardMe enables customers, their family members, and employees of FNB and RMB Private Bank to request rapid mobile emergency response in the event of a medical emergency or security threats such as a break-in or hijacking.
When the panic button is activated, GuardMe through the AURA platform, automatically dispatches the nearest private armed response and/or ambulance to the person’s location, anywhere, anytime across South Africa. The network consists of over 300 private medical and armed-response companies, 2,500 armed-response vehicles, and 650 ambulances.
“As part of our commitment to using the power of technology to promote social good, we have made this service available on our platform as an eBucks partner,” said eBucks CEO, Johan Moolman. “An easily accessible panic button enables people to request immediate help in the event of security risks or a medical emergency, something we believe is crucial to saving lives. Over the years, we’ve consistently expanded the spectrum of non-financial services we offer customers through strategic partnerships. In recent years, we’ve accelerated this journey because we recognise that our customers expect much more from our organisation, so we are pleased to have helped many in life-threatening situations,” he says.
Moolman adds that, “a service of this nature demonstrates the essence of our eBucks programme and its ability to help members in meaningful ways. Security and medical emergencies are part of everyone’s reality, but often, help is not as easily accessible to many people. We deeply appreciate the support of our eBucks partners, who continue to embrace our efforts to help through a range of initiatives. Furthermore, we want more customers to be aware that they can also benefit from this service that’s easily accessible on our platform.”
This GuardMe service is free for the first three months for customers of FNB and RMB Private Bank, and costs only R19.90 per user, per month thereafter. All response costs including medical transportation and security stand down are included in the monthly fee, with no additional charges being incurred. Customers can add as many FNB-banked and non-FNB banked family members and friends as they want and get up to 100% of your subscription fee back in eBucks monthly.
