PHONE CALL: Northland Red Cross training co-ordinator Kevin Spill hopes people will hook up to the new life-saving phone app. PHOTO/JOHN STONE
PHONE CALL: Northland Red Cross training co-ordinator Kevin Spill hopes people will hook up to the new life-saving phone app. PHOTO/JOHN STONE
Anyone coming across an emergency medical or injury situation could find their fingers do the talking if they have a new first-aid app on their phones.
The First Aid and Emergency app was launched by the Red Cross last Saturday, also World First Aid Day. The free app was designedto give people life-saving skills at their fingertips, New Zealand Red Cross Northland training co-ordinator Kevin Spill said.
It offers simple, easy advice on everyday first-aid scenarios, tips on how to prepare for natural disasters and instructions for an emergency. Preloaded content means users have instant access to all information, even without cellphone reception or an internet connection, anytime, anywhere.
"It won't ever take the place of taking a first-aid course and we encourage anyone who can to do that, but it could certainly help save lives," Mr Spill said.
More than 500 people around New Zealand have been testing the app to help the Red Cross improve its functionality and content.
First-response treatment for broken bones, wounds and asthma attacks are just some of the matters the app covers. The content includes quizzes, and how to respond to disasters or assemble a survival kit as well as how to deal with everyday first-aid scenarios.
It can also help minimise feelings of panic people may experience if they are involved in an emergency medical or injury situation.
