Welcome to AscendisMed International. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our emergency medical services platform, including our mobile applications (user and driver apps) and administrative systems.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

We collect the following types of personal information:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, date of birth, and profile picture
• Medical Information: Medical history, allergies, current medications, emergency contacts, and medical notes provided during booking
• Identity Verification: Government-issued ID for drivers and medical professionals
• Payment Information: Credit/debit card details, billing address, and transaction history (processed securely through third-party payment providers)
• Emergency Contacts: Names and phone numbers of designated emergency contacts

1.2 Location Data

We collect precise location information to provide our emergency services:

• Patient Location: Real-time location when booking ambulance services
• Driver Location: Continuous real-time location tracking during active duty for:
  • Dispatching the nearest available ambulance
  • Providing estimated arrival times
  • Tracking ambulance en route to patient and hospital
  • Service optimization and safety
• Hospital Location: Destination facility information

1.3 Usage Data

We automatically collect information about how you use our services:

• App usage patterns and features accessed
• Device information (type, operating system, unique device identifiers)
• IP address and browser type
• Time and date of service requests
• Service completion and response times
• App performance data and crash reports

1.4 Communications

• Messages exchanged through our in-app chat system
• Voice recordings (if voice message feature is used)
• Photos shared in chat communications
• Customer support correspondence

2. How We Use Your Information

2.1 Service Delivery

• Process and fulfill emergency service requests
• Dispatch ambulances and medical personnel
• Provide real-time tracking and navigation
• Facilitate communication between patients, drivers, and medical staff
• Process payments and manage subscriptions

2.2 Safety and Security

• Verify identity of drivers and medical personnel
• Monitor service quality and driver performance
• Investigate incidents, disputes, or fraudulent activity
• Maintain records for medical and legal compliance
• Ensure platform security and prevent unauthorized access

2.3 Service Improvement

• Analyze usage patterns to improve our services
• Optimize ambulance dispatch algorithms
• Develop new features and functionality
• Conduct research and data analysis
• Personalize user experience

2.4 Communication

• Send service notifications and updates
• Provide customer support
• Send important alerts about your account or services
• Share promotional offers and updates (with your consent)

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

3.1 Service Providers

We share information with trusted third parties who assist in operating our platform:

• Cloud Storage: Firebase/Google Cloud Platform for data storage and hosting
• Payment Processors: Stripe and other payment gateways for transaction processing
• Communication Services: SMS and push notification providers
• Analytics: Google Analytics for usage analysis
• Maps and Location: Google Maps for navigation and location services

3.2 Medical Facilities

We share relevant medical information with:

• Receiving hospitals and medical facilities
• Attending medical personnel
• Emergency medical technicians and paramedics

3.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal processes, court orders, or government requests
• Enforce our terms of service
• Protect rights, property, or safety of AscendisMed, users, or the public
• Detect, prevent, or address fraud, security, or technical issues
• Respond to medical emergencies

3.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity, with prior notice to you.

4. Data Storage and Security

4.1 Storage Location

Your data is stored securely using Firebase Cloud Firestore and Google Cloud Platform, with servers located in compliance with applicable data protection regulations. We implement industry-standard security measures including:

• End-to-end encryption for sensitive data
• Secure socket layer (SSL) technology
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and authentication
• Encrypted data transmission

4.2 Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services
• Comply with legal obligations (medical records retention requirements)
• Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements
• Maintain safety and security records

Medical records are retained for a minimum of 7 years in compliance with healthcare regulations. After this period, data may be anonymized or deleted.

5. Your Rights and Choices

5.1 Access and Correction

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Update or correct inaccurate data
• Request a copy of your data
• Download your data in a portable format

5.2 Data Deletion

You can request deletion of your account and associated data. To submit a deletion request, please visit our Data Deletion Request Page.

Deletion requests are subject to:

• Legal retention requirements for medical records (7 years)
• Completion of ongoing services or investigations
• Settlement of outstanding payments
• Identity verification for security purposes

5.3 Location Services

You can control location permissions through your device settings. However, note that:

• Location access is required to use emergency ambulance services
• Drivers must keep location services enabled during active duty
• Disabling location services will limit functionality

5.4 Marketing Communications

You can opt-out of promotional communications by:

• Clicking unsubscribe links in emails
• Adjusting notification settings in the app
• Contacting our support team

Note: You cannot opt-out of essential service communications (booking confirmations, emergency alerts, etc.)

6. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

Emergency services may be booked for minors by adults (parents, guardians, or authorized individuals).

7. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze app performance and usage
• Provide personalized content
• Maintain security and authentication

You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings, though this may limit functionality.

9. Third-Party Links

Our services may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

10. Driver-Specific Privacy Terms

10.1 Driver Information Collection

As a driver, we collect additional information including:

• Driver's license number and verification
• Vehicle information and registration
• Medical certification and qualifications
• Background check results
• Continuous location tracking during active duty
• Job performance and rating data

10.2 Driver Monitoring

Driver activity is monitored for quality assurance and safety, including:

• Real-time location tracking (20-day session persistence)
• Response times and service completion rates
• Patient feedback and ratings
• Incident reports and safety records

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our platform
• Sending notification through the app
• Email notification to registered users
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy

Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Your Consent

By using AscendisMed services, you consent to:

• Collection, use, and sharing of your information as described in this policy
• Processing of your medical information for emergency service delivery
• Location tracking for service provision and safety
• Communication through various channels about your services

13. Data Protection Officer

For questions about data protection or to exercise your privacy rights, you can contact our Data Protection Officer at:

14. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

15. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of [Jurisdiction], without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any disputes arising from this policy will be resolved in the courts of [Jurisdiction].

16. Compliance

We comply with applicable data protection regulations including:

• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) - for medical information
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - for EU residents
• Local data protection laws in countries where we operate
• Medical records retention requirements