Imagine taking your phone out of your pocket in an emergency, and quickly learning how to administer CPR to someone not breathing, or discovering an epidemic outbreak in your community. There’s an app for both. Smartphones are now being used for more than convenience; they can save your life. Below are five cutting-edge apps with lifesaving features.
HealthMap: Outbreaks Near Me
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad
How it works: A team of researchers, epidemiologists and software developers designed this app for users to receive real-time updates about epidemics and disease outbreaks in their area. This includes news updates about the flu virus, food contamination and the next big bug.
Where to get it: It’s free on iTunes.
iBreastCheck
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone and Android phones
How it works: This app allows women to discover how their lifestyle affects their risk for getting breast cancer. It also demonstrates self-breast exams through videos, and reminds women about upcoming breast exams. Furthermore, the app suggests ways to get involved in the fight against breast cancer.
Where to get it: It’s free on iTunes and Google Play.
ICE Standard – The Emergency Standard Card App for iPhone
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad
How it works: ICE Standard allows first responders and emergency room personnel to access a patient’s medical records, including medical contacts, insurance information, blood type and photo identification. The app is designed with a unique color-coding system, which helps emergency responders to better assess a patient’s medical issue based on their medical history.
Where to get it: It’s free on iTunes.
My Last Cigarette – Stop Smoking Stay Quit
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad
How it works: After providing some personal details, My Last Cigarette helps people of any age and any smoking frequency quit smoking for good with daily tips for success. The app also offers real-time motivators like money saved and increased life expectancy.
Where to get it: iTunes ($0.99)
Pocket First Aid & CPR
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad
How it works: Recently updated to reflect the American Heart Association Guidelines on CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care, this app demonstrates how to help an adult or child in an emergency. This includes 34 videos and 46 illustrations on responding to emergency situations from first-aid basics to medical emergencies.
Where to get it: iTunes ($1.99)