Successful launch of the e-mergency emergency app at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW
With more than 17,500 students and employees, six locations in four cantons and ten universities, the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW is one of the largest and most diverse universities in Switzerland. Such a diverse organisation requires a reliable emergency and crisis solution that is both flexible and individually adaptable. With the introduction of the e-mergency emergency app, the FHNW has found a customised solution to efficiently organise its crisis communication within the FHNW.
„With the e-mergency app, we can communicate across the FHNW (all six locations and ten FHNW universities) as well as on a location- and university-specific basis, which is crucial in our challenging setup. The FHNW emergency app ensures that members of crisis teams can coordinate with each other at all times and that information reaches students and staff promptly and reliably in the event of an emergency.“
Dominik Lehmann, Head of Communications University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland FHNW
Customised and flexible: the e-mergency app at the FHNW
The FHNW's requirements for an emergency app were complex: in addition to mapping the geographical locations and individual universities, clear communication structures and location-specific content had to be integrated. The e-mergency emergency app meets these requirements thanks to its high level of flexibility and practice-oriented customisation options.
Geographical and organisational structure
- The app maps the six geographical locations and the ten universities of the FHNW.
- Users are initially assigned to a location and a university and can select additional locations if required.
Structured communication through Circles
- A crisis team (Circle) has been set up for each FHNW location and university.
- Circles at FHNW level - such as the FHNW Directorate, the FHNW Crisis Team or the FHNW Crisis Communication team - enable coordination at UAS level.
- Clear rules define which circles are authorised to communicate with which recipient groups in order to avoid confusion and information overload.
Location-specific content
Each FHNW campus has location-specific information, including:
- Internal emergency numbers
- Situation plans, including assembly points, first-aid rooms and defibrillator locations
- Content can be accessed at any time via the app, both on mobile and desktop PCs
Specially developed white label solution
The e-emergency app was implemented as a white label solution and branded with the FHNW branding. It is published in the Google, Apple and Huawei app stores under the name "FHNW Emergency". This customised adaptation offers users a familiar environment and facilitates acceptance of the app.
Efficient preparation and successful roll-out
The introduction of the e-mergency app at the FHNW was characterised by comprehensive preparation and a well thought-out roll-out process.
Training for circle members
- Members of the crisis teams (Circles) were comprehensively prepared for using the app through online training.
Communication with students and employees
The FHNW relies on a broad-based and regularly repeated communication campaign to publicise the app to all students and employees. This includes:
- A central information page on the FHNW intranet with all relevant information on the FHNW Emergency App (benefits, instruction video, information on data protection, Q&A catalogue, QR codes for the app in the stores, etc.)
- Emails to all members of the FHNW
- Posters and screen displays at the locations
Explainer videos and support
- FHNW-specific explanatory videos provide clear introductions for students, employees and other user groups.
- A specific support address ensures that questions and concerns about the app are answered quickly and directly.
A strong foundation for the future
The introduction of the e-mergency emergency app at the FHNW was a complete success. The app not only offers the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW a robust and efficient emergency and crisis communication system, but also the flexibility to grow with the organisation's future requirements. Thanks to the customisable structure, multi-channel alerting and clear communication channels, the FHNW is prepared to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies and crises.
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