People tell me that one of the most challenging things about first aid, is retaining the amount of information that is needed to deal with lots of different situations. Most of us can remember the basics, like how to stop bleeding. But for many people information like, what to do with a spider bite, gets filed in the “nice to know but rarely used” section of our brains. For those situations there is always a first aid manual that we can refer to…. isn’t there?
In today’s world we all want up-to-date information and a hardcopy manual can easily get outdated or not be there when you need it. To solve both these issues, there is a growing number of fantastic first aid apps that have up-to-date, evidenced-based information ready when you need it. I want to share with you my favourite 3 first aid apps which all have the added bonus of being free….
Allens Training App
As the name suggests, this app has been developed by Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909. Think of it as a quick reference first aid guide that goes wherever your mobile does. It is easy and quick to navigate through and very user-friendly. The joy of an electronic copy is that it is always up-to-date. It also has added features such as a GPS locator (in case you need to call 000 away from home), links to useful websites and a place to store your first aid training details. Whilst nothing beats the hands- on practice of a first aid course, this is a great way to reinforce and back up the knowledge learnt. You can check it out here:
www.allenstraining.com.au/first-aid-app.aspx
Head Check
Parents are always asking me when they should worry about their child’s head injury, when they need an ambulance, a hospital or the GP. This app helps parents and first aiders assess a child’s head injury for signs of symptoms of concussion and answers that question by advisng on the best course of action based on the symptoms. What I also love, is that this app also helps manage the vital recovery phase of concussion. Often children jump straight back into their normal life as soon as concussion symptoms start to resolve. However, doing too much, too soon can delay a full recovery. The information in this app educates parents on how they can best help their child’s recovery. It can also provide an individualise plan for a gradual return to normal activity (school, sport etc).
Find out more here:
Australian Bites and Stings
I might sound crazy, but one of my concerns about moving to Australia was the poisonous creepy crawlies. I actually remember asking someone how I would know if my baby had been bitten by a redback in his cot! I now understand that based on where they are usually found, that is highly unlikely to happen. However, there are still many creatures in Australia that can bite and sting us, some harmful, some not. This fantastic app lets me look up a potential “venomous creature” to identify it and tells me the signs and symptoms of their bite/sting as well as the recommended first aid based on Australian Resuscitation Council Guidelines. While I might know the first aid for bites and stings, this app lets me go camping with confidence because I can now also identify the creatures that I did not come across growing up in NZ. If I was unable to provide first aid for myself, this app could easily guide anyone through what to do. If you want to camp/hike/garden/play with confidence too this is the app for you:
Apps definitely don’t take away the need for the practical confidence gained by doing a first aid course. However, they are a great way to ensure that you have up to date information on hand whenever you need it. We can’t all be an expert on everything, but it pays to know where to get great information. These 3 apps are a good place to start for family friendly first aid information.
If you would like some hands-on practice I would love to see you at my last Community Parent/Caregiver First Aid course for the year on Nov 4 in Glenelg North where we cover all the family first aid essentials. Alternatively, you could gather your family and friends and host an in-home course tailored to your needs.
Go to my website to book or find out more information https://head2toefirstaid.com.au/personalised-training
“This article was written for information and education purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this article.”
Karyn is an Adelaide based, Registered Nurse and Trainer with 18+ years of experience dealing with the medical and first aid needs of both adults and children. She is also a Mother and has firsthand experience dealing with Asthma and Allergies/Anaphylaxis on a daily basis. These roles enable Karyn to both appreciate the first aid challenges that a Parent/Caregiver can face, and understand the importance of quality first aid training in the community. Visit her website at www.head2toefirstaid.com.au
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