New first aid app aims to save lives: Instructional videos, integration with 911 system included in free software

While it is always best to call 911 in case of a health emergency, a new smart phone application is doing its part to help people recognize such situations and treat the victim until professional help arrives.

The American Red Cross' First Aid app launched in late June and is free for both iPhone and Android users. The app includes first aid information such as how to treat sprained ankles and minor burns, as well as more critical situations such as diabetic emergencies and heart attacks.

"This is really on the cutting edge of how information is going to get to people through their smart phones," said Anita Foster, Red Cross spokeswoman. "The app is everything you need to know about a multitude of emergencies that can happen to somebody in the palm of your hand."

Foster said one of her favorite features is the ability to call 911 directly from the app, something that could prove crucial in situations that many people may not consider dire.

"Heat stroke is one thing a lot of people may not view as deadly," she said. "At some point, if you don't know that and get a person suffering from heat stroke the medical help they need, they may die. The app would prompt you to dial 911 in some of those rare circumstances where you didn't know you needed to."

Marty Wade, the battalion chief over emergency medical services for the Plano Fire Department, believes the app could prove useful in educating people about medical emergencies.

"I think anything that someone can use to educate themselves on first aid will help us tremendously," he said. "Education is the key. If someone learns CPR and they intervene in a situation before we get there, survivorship jumps. The important thing is to call us immediately and get us en route, and then consult the app on how to treat someone."

Wade said many times dispatchers will keep the person who called 911 on the line and give them pre-arrival instructions, and he thinks the app could provide a similar function. For instance, while the dispatcher describes how to apply pressure to a cut to stop the bleeding, a person using the app would be able to see a video showing the correct technique. When combined, the two sources of information should go hand in hand, Wade said.

"The biggest thing people need to know is to call us if you think there is any chance it is an emergency," he said. "If you suspect a person has heat stroke, give us a call and get us en route. If we are not needed, there is no charge to the caller."

Wade said where he thinks the app's true value lies is with its educational tools, noting that if a person has read the information and taken the tests provided on the app to assess their knowledge, they will be better able to recognize a situation before it gets to a critical level.

Foster said the Red Cross is planning to unveil four more apps that will specifically deal with preparation for hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and floods. The apps should be available this fall.

"Everything is going to be focused on what we can do before something happens," she said. "We are creating apps which will almost serve as a weather radio in the palm of your hand. We will have a direct connection to the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center, and people will be able to establish their app to receive watches and warnings. You will be able to get lifesaving information wherever you are, and we feel that is revolutionary."

For information or to download the app, visit www.redcross.org.

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