The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Defibrillator iPhone app launched to help locate life saving first aid equipment
iPhone and iPad app locates nearest defibrillator for people suffering cardiac arrest
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A mobile phone app that lets users locate their nearest defibrillator has been created by the South Central Ambulance Service.
The app, available for both iPad and iPhone, is being touted as a life-saving tool by allowing those in possession of a smart phone to find the nearest Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) should someone go into cardiac arrest.
It uses GPS to find the nearest AED and where in a building it is located, along with a list of others in the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire regions. The SCAS team is working on identifying which of these is available 24 hours a day as part of the apps ongoing development.
The tool will also provides guidance on how to perform CPR on adults, children and infants.
Professor Charles Deakin, SCAS Divisional Medical Director (Hampshire) and Chair of the Advanced Life Support Committee, European Resuscitation Council said the app could dramatically increase the survival rates of victims of cardiac arrest.
"Statistics show that in cases of sudden cardiac arrest outside hospital, only 1 in 10 people survive. However, when bystanders provide CPR and use automated external defibrillators before emergency medical services personnel arrive as many as 4 in 10 victims survive.”
He said that the app is extremely simple to use, adding that “even a child could do it”.
Mark Ainsworth-Smith, Consultant Emergency Care Practitioner at SCAS, said: "The final piece of the jigsaw was to create a free, easy to use tool that lets people find their nearest one in an emergency - and the App we have developed does exactly that."
Versions for Android and Blackberry operating systems are still being developed. The app can be downloaded onto iPhone here and iPad here.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments