119

119, LLC

119

A communication tool that guides bystanders to appropriate, personalized response for recurring medical events.

Columbus, OH, USA

United States

For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models

In the U.S., we’re conditioned to call 911 when someone appears unresponsive. But for the 133 million Americans living with chronic conditions, this reflex can be harmful. Unwanted ambulance calls often lead to inappropriate care, financial distress, and unnecessary trauma. Repeated, unnecessary 911 calls have led to evictions, arrests, job loss, and institutionalization—especially among people with disabilities. Despite $7.2B spent annually on medical alert systems, 30% of ER visits by chronically ill individuals are avoidable, costing patients and insurers over $8.3B each year. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that chronic illnesses account for 74% of all deaths, and as populations age, inappropriate emergency responses will only increase. In public spaces, bystanders are the first -- often the only available support—but most lack the tools or knowledge to help.

119 is a patented mobile app that transforms bystanders into capable first responders for people experiencing recurring medical events in public spaces. Unlike traditional medical alert systems that automatically call 911, 119 gives users the power to define the kind of help they want—and don’t want—during an episode. If a user faints or begins to experience a medical event, the app uses sound cues (like a verbal alert from the phone or smartwatch) to attract attention. Once a bystander responds, 119 walks them through a series of personalized, step-by-step instructions—such as finding an inhaler, offering a glass of water, simply sitting with the person until they recover, or calling 911. The system is designed to prevent unnecessary 911 calls and emergency room visits by guiding appropriate, non-clinical care in real time. The app runs on everyday devices, integrates with user-defined medical profiles, and is accessible for people with disabilities. 119 is being built with insurance companies and end users in mind—offering a scalable, preventative tool to reduce healthcare costs while increasing safety, independence, and peace of mind for people with chronic conditions. It’s a smart, dignified alternative to the emergency-only mindset. Product demo https://youtu.be/6SJaQHGHXdw

119 is designed to serve people with chronic conditions, disabilities, and age-related health issues—especially those who experience recurring, non-emergency medical events in public. Our initial focus is on four communities: people with asthma, diabetes, seizures, and intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD), with plans to expand into dementia care and other episodic conditions. These populations are often underserved in emergency response systems. Current solutions either rely on 911, which can be inappropriate or traumatic, or require costly, passive medical alert devices that don’t provide clear, actionable support for bystanders. This gap leads to unnecessary ER visits, personal distress, and a loss of autonomy. 119 empowers users by giving them control over what happens during a medical event. Our mobile app uses their existing device to alert bystanders and guide them through a personalized response, aligned with the user’s needs and preferences. This promotes safety, reduces reliance on emergency services, and restores dignity and independence. With over 129 million adults in the U.S. managing recurring health conditions, 119 has the potential to transform how people navigate medical events in everyday life—at school, at work, or in transit—by ensuring that support is accessible, appropriate, and human-centered.