On June 14, 2012, the American Red Cross released its First Aid app called “First Aid by American Red Cross”. The genius of this app is that people can have access to Red Cross first aid knowledge on hand, anywhere they can have their phone. The emergency and learning functions of the app function without a data plan, making the information very accessible.
“The penetration of personal smart phone ownership in the U.S. has recently risen above 60 percent and will likely soon reach the level of traditional wire line phones,” said Jack McMaster, president, Preparedness and Health and Safety Services at the Red Cross. “The broad availability of this platform opens a new opportunity for us to create custom apps, free of charge, tailored to specific emergencies confronting individuals no matter where they are.”
The “Emergency” menu is quickly accessed in the center of the bottom menu, and pulls up an assortment of medical risks in an easy to find and understand menu. From there, step by step instructions are given on how to handle the emergency, with useful buttons along the way. For instance, for a burn, the first step is to soak it under cool running water for 10 minutes. In this step, there is a button to start a 10 minute timer. In steps suggesting a 9-1-1 call, a button that integrates with the phone function of the device will dial 911 for you. There are also 30 second videos for each emergency type, demonstrating the steps involved.
Having this information on hand is valuable enough, but the American Red Cross has taken a more proactive approach as well. For instance, there is an entire “Prepare For” section detailing precautions one can take for emergencies such as heatwaves, flu, fire, etc. There is even details on how to build an emergency kit.
To promote learning and education, the app uses the “Achievements” function of the game center to allow study and testing of various emergencies. The user can earn badges within the app and game center and share the results with their social network.
Of course, an app like this is best used as a reference source, augmenting actual, hands-on training at an American Red Cross first aid and CPR/AED class. The user can arrange classes through the app or by going to the American Red Cross website.
The app is FREE. Downloaded it today.
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