The British Red Cross has launched its first application on Apple, Android and BlackBerry smartphones, featuring potentially life-saving first aid advice.
The free app, available now from Android Market, iTunes and Blackberry Appworld, is intended to "empower smartphone users across the world to act in an emergency".
The service features easy-to-understand advice on 18 everyday first aid scenarios, as well as tips on how to prepare for emergencies ranging from severe winter weather to road traffic accidents.
Users can browse a range of videos both online and offline, meaning they don't have to have an internet connection. There is also simple step-by-step advice on first aid matters and interactive quizzes.
"It's vital that everybody knows basic first aid skills to help themselves and the people around them, and this app is a great way to reach people who may never go to a class. By harnessing mobile technology, with this app anyone can have life-saving skills at their fingertips," said Joe Mulligan, British Red Cross head of first aid education.
"Mobile markets anticipate a growth for as many as 2 billion smartphones a year and our new and first-ever app is a step in adjusting our services to anticipate this massive change. We are positive that as one of the leading agencies in this field, our app will make a positive humanitarian difference."
Studies conducted by the Red Cross have shown that despite 81% of people believing that first aid knowledge is essential, only half of those surveyed actually felt confident enough to help if someone collapsed close to them.
The app is designed as a way to reach out to smartphone users, providing them with an information resource in their pocket on what to do when first aid is required.
In the run up to Christmas, the Red Cross app also features information specific to the season, including winter weather tips as part of the organisation's Ready for Winter campaign.
"Nearly two-thirds of the public avoid learning first aid because they fear the perceived responsibility it carries, and worry they would do something wrong. On testing the app, we've found users to be more prepared to deal with emergencies such as burns and an unconscious casualty as a result of using the app," said Mulligan.
"We believe that having basic first aid skills helps keep families and communities safer. The Red Cross encourages everybody to take the responsibility to learn first aid before an emergency strikes.
"This app makes our knowledge and experience in first aid readily accessible to smartphone users who can not only access it instantly when they need it, but also allows them to learn first aid at a time that suits them."
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