Wiltshire charity's first aid app proves a life saver (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Wiltshire charity's first aid app proves a life saver

2:35pm Tuesday 26th June 2012 in Wiltshire

St John Ambulance is encouraging iPhone users in Wiltshire to add another vital element to their holiday ‘must haves’ – its free first aid app.

The first aid charity’s app, which gives users advice on how to treat a range of emergencies as well as minor injuries, has proven to be the difference between life and death.

The first aid app became an instant success when it was launched in 2010 and was the UK’s best selling health and fitness app.

Nearly 120,000 people have now downloaded it – and the charity has learnt that it has already saved a life, when a mother got in touch to say she was able to give first aid to her choking baby, thanks to the app.

With easily accessible step-by-step information, an intuitive interface and voice prompts for several first aid techniques, the free app is something every iPhone, iPod touch or iPad user should have, especially if they are travelling somewhere where medical help may be harder to obtain.

Jim Jones, a schools, community and youth development co-ordinator for St John Ambulance, said: "Whenever we go on holiday, we always make sure we have tickets, money and passports, but this simple app is something we’d also like people to download before they go.

"Most people take their phone with them on holiday and once you’ve downloaded this app for free, lots of important first aid advice is there for you to access.

"It might be that you are going somewhere where there may be a language barrier or it may be off the beaten track so this app could be the difference between a life lost and life saved when you need it."

The app is free to download from the Apple App Store. The charity hopes to develop a multiplatform app this year.