SOS-Overwatch

Inspiration

Team members: Chau, Ewan, Evan, Boyu.

Evan and Boyu are first time hackers for this hackathon! :)

Note: Boyu had a hard time signing up in the devpost so he is not shown here in the post.

The inspiration for SOS-Overwatch stemmed from the urgent need to provide timely assistance to individuals who might be at risk of overdose or those witnessing an overdose. We wanted to create a tool that could help save lives by ensuring immediate action is taken during such critical moments. Understanding the gravity of such situations and the difference timely intervention can make, we were motivated to develop a web app that bridges the gap between potential emergencies and quick responses.

What it Does

SOS-Overwatch is a web application designed to monitor and provide assistance in potential overdose situations. Users can set a timer and, if they fail to input a captcha verification before the timer ends, the app will automatically alert their emergency contact via SMS. Additionally, the app provides crucial step-by-step instructions for bystanders on how to handle an overdose situation and includes a map feature to locate the nearest hospitals using OpenStreetMap.

How We Built It

SOS-Overwatch was built using a combination of modern web technologies and APIs:

• Frontend: Developed using React and Next.js to provide a responsive and intuitive user interface.
• Backend: Implemented serverless functions in Next.js to handle SMS notifications using the Twilio API.
• Mapping: Integrated Leaflet with OpenStreetMap and the Overpass API to display nearby hospitals.
• Styling: Used Tailwind CSS for styling to ensure a clean and responsive design.

Challenges We Ran Into

Throughout the development process, we encountered several challenges:

• API Integration: Integrating various APIs and ensuring they work seamlessly together was a complex task, especially with geolocation and mapping.
• Time Management: Balancing the development of multiple features within a limited timeframe required effective time management and prioritization.
• User Experience: Designing an interface that is both user-friendly and capable of handling critical situations was a challenging but essential aspect of the project.

Accomplishments That We're Proud Of

We are proud of several key accomplishments:

• Successfully integrating Twilio to send emergency SMS notifications.
• Implementing a dynamic map feature that accurately locates nearby hospitals using OpenStreetMap and the Overpass API.
• Creating a user-friendly interface that provides clear instructions for handling overdose situations.
• Developing a robust captcha verification system to ensure user responsiveness and safety.

What We Learned

During the development of SOS-Overwatch, we learned a great deal about:

• The importance of API integration and how to effectively use various APIs to enhance application functionality.
• User interface design principles, particularly for emergency response applications where ease of use and clarity are paramount.
• The critical role of real-time data and geolocation in providing timely assistance and how to efficiently implement these features.

What's Next for SOS-Overwatch

Looking ahead, we have several plans for the future development of SOS-Overwatch:

• Mobile App: Developing a mobile version of the application to make it even more accessible.
• Enhanced Notifications: Adding more robust notification options, such as email alerts and push notifications.
• Language Support: Expanding the app to support multiple languages to cater to a broader audience.
• Community Resources: Incorporating additional resources and links to local support groups and helplines.
• User Feedback: Continuously improving the app based on user feedback to ensure it meets the needs of those at risk and their loved ones.

These additions will help us further our mission of providing timely and effective assistance in critical situations, potentially saving more lives.

Built With

• leaflet.js
• next
• react
• tailwind
• twilio