First Aid apps

[Estelle]

Even though we have both done the St John Ambulance First Aid (senior or level two or whatever) course, and have a couple of First Aid books around the place, we have also installed a couple of apps on the iPad.
(I have trouble remembering what I had for lunch).

They may be worth looking at as a reference in case the need arises.

St John Ambulance have three (First Aid, MediProfiles and Resuscitate). They are basic which is probably what you need in an emergency.
The other one we have is a USA based free app (i.e. ringing 911 will not be of much use). It is called WebMD and is fairly comprehensive (only just installed).

I was wondering if there were any professional medico people out there who could have a quick look at them and offer an opinion. As far as home and travelling are concerned.

The US app may offer a bit too much information.

Not sure if one would have the time to check any info in an emergency, but if there are two of you...
May add a bit of confidence.

Cheers.
 

Ed. Please don't limit responses only to Medicos 

[TheOtherLeft]

I think the Red Cross has a similar CPR app as well.

[Patr80l]

I just had a quick look at the St John Apps in the App Store.
First Aid might be useful for looking up uncommon problems (eg what stings do you put vinegar on?).   It looks like an App version of a textbook.   At least with the app you're more likely to have it with you when needed.   Did you notice it's rated 12+ because of violence and drug use!
Resuscitate I reckon would be pointless.   You either know DRSABCD, 30:2, 100/min, 000 or 112 etc or you don't and there's not much more to it than that.   The knowledge base for resuscitation (particularly CPR) is quite small.   It's more a matter of maintaining skills. The example screen shots include a defibrillator locator which would have to be very accurate and up to date to be useful and not a dangerous waste of time.   I had to smile at pic of the first aider checking for a response from the supine patient.  You don't need gloves to touch someone's shoulder!    I reckon about the only useful thing a resus. app might have to offer is a metronome function to help you maintain the correct rate for CPR.   Dunno if this app does that.
Anyone interested in buying MediProfiles which allows you to record all your friends' medical problems, allergies, medications etc, should go out and get a life!
The ad for WebMD didn't really give a good indication of the quality of the info it contains.   It looks like one of those Home Doctor self-help books.   I'm not a fan of that genre.   They all seem to be a bit narrow, biased, outdated, misleading, etc etc

[TOY80ST]

Good one, I was one told to look at first aid like his. If it's hot cool it down, If it's cold heat it up. If it's bleeding, stop it. If it's stopped, Start it(heart). Best advice I was ever given it took the jargon out of first aid.

I like the idea of the apps. It can clear up a couple of common myths and give you the latest treatments.

I am not sure how apps work, do they work when you don't have mobile coverage?

[Estelle]

Thanks for your replies.

I didn't notice the gloved hand . The St John's group push the idea of gloves on as you approach your victim/patient.

One good thing about the First Aid app is that it is not an online app (self contained), Whereas the WebMD needs web connection.

Agree about the 'self help medical' angle. I think that if you have a real need to refer to the WebMD, you should be at the DR's and a chemist knows about available ointments etc.

Good input, thanks.

Ed:  Don't know if the resusc app is self contained.

[Patr80l]

If you want to keep a First Aid reference source on your iPhone have a look at the WA Police Dept's "Aids to Survival".   It's a PDF so you'll need an iPhone app to read it such as the free GoodReader.   Admittedly, it is a lot easier to read it on a laptop or iPad.

http://www.police.wa.gov.au/Portals/11/PDFs/AidsToSurival_2007.pdf   

[Pebble]

Great idea, I think I might have a look at the Android store for something similar.

Actually yet to teach the kids how to use my mobile (well for anything other than playing games! they're aged 7 and 9). Luckily the land-line which is not connected still works for 000 calls, which I'm glad about because if something happened to me while Hubby is away no doubt the mobile would be turned off anyway!

[Estelle]

If you want to keep a First Aid reference source on your iPhone have a look at the WA Police Dept's "Aids to Survival".   It's a PDF so you'll need an iPhone app to read it such as the free GoodReader.   Admittedly, it is a lot easier to read it on a laptop or iPad.

http://www.police.wa.gov.au/Portals/11/PDFs/AidsToSurival_2007.pdf

Looks very comprehensive. Thanks. Will put it onto the iPad as a good reference.

[Followme1]

I just down loaded the ST Johns app, but it for a IPhone not IPad so the screen is small but still clear.

George

[Bird]

Any other modern apps people are using?

[Beachman]

Only yesterday I downloaded a free Red Cross first aide app. From what I can tell it doesn't need WiFi and tells you basics of the most commons concerns.

[Bird]

If you want to keep a First Aid reference source on your iPhone have a look at the WA Police Dept's "Aids to Survival".   It's a PDF so you'll need an iPhone app to read it such as the free GoodReader.   Admittedly, it is a lot easier to read it on a laptop or iPad.

http://www.police.wa.gov.au/Portals/11/PDFs/AidsToSurival_2007.pdf

Updated link
http://www.vks737.on.net/pdfs/survival.pdf

[alnjan]

One App every mobile phone user should install (and I hesitated at using that particular phrase because everyone says "oh, you HAVE to have blah blah blah..) is EMERGENCY+
It's a free app and this is the blurb straight from the app description...


Quote

Save the app that could save your life.

'Emergency+' is a national app developed by Australia's emergency services and their Government and industry partners, helping people to call the right number at the right time, anywhere in Australia.  The app uses a mobile phone's GPS functionality so callers can provide emergency call-takers with their location information as determined by their smart phone. 'Emergency+' also includes SES and Police Assistance Line numbers as options, so non-emergency calls are made to the most appropriate number.

When calling Triple Zero (000), remember to stay focused, stay relevant, and stay on the line.

End Quote


It goes on with a bit more, but you get the idea I hope.  It's a really easy thing to teach the kids that if there's an emergency, push the big red cross on the screen and someone will help.  Also good for those of us who can't remember or are in a flap and need someone to talk you through CPR, etc. while Emergency Services are dispatched.  I downloaded it from Google Play Store for my Android Phone, but I'm pretty sure there is an iPhone version as well.

I also have the Australian Red Cross First Aid app on my phone, which was pretty easy to use (from memory, as I haven't looked at it for a little while. Yep! Just did a quick check, and it covers all sorts of things in easy to understand instructions)  As far as I know it's self contained on the phone and doesn't need phone service. But you can check that for yourself.

Jan
xxxx

[below sea level]

Even though we have both done the St John Ambulance First Aid (senior or level two or whatever) course...........

In case anybody was wondering, it's recommended that you repeat the entire First Aid course every 3 years and the CPR portion every 12 months. I'm an instructor so I'm doing it all the time and it amazes me how quickly this stuff changes.