The app helps people learn simple first aid skills, should they need help during a medical emergency
Downloading a free first aid app could help you save someone’s life in an emergency. According to the NHS, thousands of people die or are seriously injured in incidents in the UK each year, and many deaths could be prevented by delivering first aid before the emergency services arrive.
Unfortunately, many people are not first-aid trained. However, the British Red Cross offers free first aid training apps that teach potentially life-saving skills. It could make all the difference, with one mum telling how she saved her daughter’s life using skills she learned from the app.
As the NHS explains, there are steps that should be followed if someone is injured. First, you should check that you and the injured person aren’t in any danger, and, if possible, make the situation safe.
If it’s necessary, you should then dial 999 and ask for an ambulance when it’s safe to do so and carry out basic first aid. The NHS website offers extensive first aid advice, covering a range of common accidents and emergencies.
There are also many first aid training courses available in the UK. You can start building skills from the comfort of your own home with apps like those offered by the British Red Cross.
The charity’s website explains: “The British Red Cross First Aid training apps equip you with simple first aid skills to use during emergencies. Our first aid apps are available for free to download on Android and Apple mobile devices. They provide life-saving advice on first aid scenarios, such as choking, heart attack, seizures, and burns. We have a general first aid app as well as a first aid app specifically for baby and child first aid.”
The apps received praise from users. One review on the website reads: “‘The British Red Cross first aid app gave me confidence to help save my daughter’s life’ – Gemma, app user.” Another says: ‘Really clear instructions, and the videos are excellent. Everyone should download this app. You could save someone’s life.”
The British Red Cross’s general first aid app covers over 20 first aid skills. It has step-by-step guides, videos, and interactive quizzes, and it works without an internet connection.
The British Red Cross’s baby and child first aid app covers 17 first aid skills. It has step-by-step skill guides, videos, interactive quizzes, animations, and a toolkit feature to record children’s medical needs.
The NHS advises calling 999 for help with life-threatening emergencies like serious road traffic accidents, strokes, and heart attacks. You’ll be asked to provide your telephone number, the address you’re calling from, and a brief description of what’s wrong with the person.
For instance, you’ll be asked if they’re bleeding, unconscious or not breathing. The call handler may advise you on what you can do until help arrives.