EMYNOS
Successful Implementation of the First Aid App in Red Cross Societies around the World
In emergencies, first aid can prove instrumental in ensuring that those affected survive. The First Aid App, launched by the British Red Cross and the American Red Cross, aims to provide the public with a unique and modern resource that can be used to help drive first aid related preparedness. The interactive app provides access to basic first aid knowledge and information on emergency preparedness. At national level, it has already been taken up by 78 Red Cross National Societies around the world.
Recently, the Global Disaster Preparedness Centre (GDPC) commissioned a study to analyze the uptake of the First Aid App. Led by Trilateral Research Ltd., with support of the Fraunhofer Institute for Open Communication Systems, Utah State University and the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, the study looked at the various initiatives National Societies have undertaken to ensure a successful implementation of the First Aid app.
The study focused on nine Red Cross National Societies – the Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Malta, Mexico, Myanmar, and Switzerland. It found that, due to limited funding, the National Societies had to rely on cost-free approaches to market and spread information about the app. Many National Societies initiated school or on-street campaigns and participated in free events to market the First Aid App. An Interaction with the public has mainly taken place via e-mail or on social media. Also the study noted an increase in the use of the First Aid App in the aftermath of various incidents.