TECHNOLOGY>> New Zealand Red Cross
The one app that might just save your life
The New Zealand Red Cross First Aid and Emergency App was officially launched on World First Aid Day, Saturday 13 September, and is fast becoming very popular
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n 2012/2013 ACC accepted 1.7 million new claims with more than one million of these occurring in the home and community. Given the importance of first aid in all parts of our lives New Zealand Red Cross is not all that surprised about the App’s instant popularity. Being able to provide first aid is essential to help those you care about most. The App was developed for Aotearoa as part of a global project by the Red Cross’ Global Disaster Preparedness Centre. It is designed to give people life-saving skills at their fingertips It is free and features simple, easy advice on everyday first aid scenarios, tips on how to prepare for natural disasters, and step-by-step instructions during an emergency For workplaces which have invested in the health and safety of their workers the app is a great tool to have people thinking about first aid and assist employees, with step-by-step instructions to guide you through emergency first
aid situations. Sections such as dealing with a broken bone and even recommending when to call an ambulance are available with a push of the button right from the app. The app doesn’t replace the need to do a first aid course but allows staff to revisit knowledge and skills between refreshing their first aid certificate every two years. Skills like how to stop bleeding or deal with an allergic reaction. Staff who are untrained in first aid can
app thoroughly. Thirty-five school and community groups registered to take part in the app ‘Test Pilot’ programme. For
to be prepared. The app is a great way to have people thinking about what they might need to do to be prepared
learn about essential skills so they have the confidence to help in an emergency. It may be that their co-worker has a medical condition such as asthma and they want to be prepared should they have an asthma attack. New Zealand Red Cross can provide graphics and media materials for organisations to promote the app to their employees to further enhance their ability to respond in an emergency. Over the last few months Red Cross has been testing the
many of the test pilots it was their first Red Cross mission. They were expected to provide detailed feedback on each section they tested on a range of devices. We couldn’t have thought of a better group than our tech savvy teenagers. Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Groups around the country, will be promoting Get Ready Week 2014 – 21 to 27 September throughout New Zealand aimed at raising awareness of potential hazards and the need
in their community or workplace and develop plans with colleagues, family friends and neighbours. During the Christchurch earthquakes these plans were put into practise time and time again and the co-operation between workplace, schools, and communities became very coordinated. People were far more resilient as a result. Download the app today from www.redcross.org.nz/app and help us in our mission to enhance community resilience.
Red Cross First Aid and Emergency app LEARN Simple, easy-to-understand advice and frequently asked questions on everyday first aid scenarios and CPR. Videos, step-by-step instructions and animations make it fun and easy to pick up.
PREPARE Get expert tips on how to prepare for some of the most common emergency situations. Includes checklists on how to prepare and tips on what to do during a natural disaster.
EMERGENCY This instantly accessible, step-by-step section gives you just
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enough information to know what to do in emergency first aid situations and allows you to call 111 from the app.
TEST Find out how much you’ve learned by taking interactive quizzes. Earn achievement badges and share them with your friends on Twitter and Facebook to show off your life-saving knowledge.
INFO Find out more about the life-saving work of New Zealand Red Cross, including volunteering opportunities, and the latest news and information on first aid courses