Helimed App In June 2016, we launched a new educational app, ‘HELIMED’, which allows users to undertake life-saving missions in a race against the clock. Designed for school children aged 11-14, but available to download free to all internationally, HELIMED aims to inspire a new generation of enthusiastic, technologically skilled young people in pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects. The HELIMED app – developed by Milo Creative in partnership with science education centre Centre of the Cell - enables users to understand more about aviation, medical innovation, leadership and teamwork, while experiencing four virtual missions based on reallife roadside scenarios that our advanced trauma team attends. Players will be tested on a range of subjects including their maths, physics and medical knowledge and decision making. Including scenarios where patients have been involved in a road traffic collision, stabbed, or fallen from height, participants assume roles as our doctors, paramedics or pilots to try and save their lives. They must first decide if the 999 call fits the criteria for automatic dispatch of the advanced trauma team. Next, they must use their navigation skills to fly the advanced trauma team to the scene of the incident and choose the most appropriate landing site. Once on scene, they must perform surgery and administer treatment before choosing which hospital the patient should be taken to. 20
The project began with schools in Newham and Tower Hamlets and the launch took place at St Paul’s Way Trust School in East London. As of April 2017, the app has been downloaded over 3500 times. The development of the HELIMED app was made possible through funding from the Cisco Foundation. Additional funding towards the project was provided by a United Way Worldwide grant to London’s Air Ambulance on behalf of Wells Fargo, The Simmons & Simmons Charitable Foundation, The David & Claudia Harding Foundation and The Shanly Foundation.
“This app shows science at its finest, it is focused on the science and technology that saves lives, it is a great education resource and deserves to be used widely in schools.” Graham Price, Headmaster of St Paul’s Way Trust School, East London