Leveraging Innovative Technology and Health Data to Enhance Access to Emergency Care and Referral Services in Kenya

Abstract Background Access to timely emergency medical services (EMS) is a persistent challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where systems are often fragmented and under-resourced. In Kenya, gaps in centralized dispatch, ambulance coverage, and coordination have led to prolonged emergency response times. Methods Rescue.co’s proprietary Flare platform and services were implemented in urban and rural Kenya, and expanded to Uganda and Tanzania. This case examined operational data, dispatch records, and platform iterations in Kenya from 2017 to 2025. Implementation RRescue.co uses a proprietary tech stack—including Global Positioning System (GPS), Android devices, Google Maps Application Programming Interface (API), and telecom tools—to enable real-time fleet coordination and route optimization. A 24/7 dispatch center staffed by trained personnel manages end-to-end response, using dispatch data to refine system performance and scalability. Outcomes Rescue.co reduced average response times from over 160 minutes to 13 minutes in urban areas and under 30 minutes in rural regions in Kenya. By 2025, 47 000+ emergency responses had been coordinated, 800+ ambulance providers had been connected to the network, and 2000 health facilities had been linked. Conclusion Rescue.co illustrates how a locally developed, scalable digital solution has transformed EMS delivery in Kenya, with the potential to be scaled to other LMICs. Its experience offers practical insights for health system leaders and policymakers advancing digital emergency care.