Good samaritan mobile app - what do you guys think?

Freefaller · 8 Sep 2014 at 12:48

I saw this on the bbc news recently (they had a bulletin about it), and numerous people at work have signed up (construction and engineering), and it seemed like a really good idea.

I know there are a few first aiders, and doctors here, as well as emergency services workers so could be useful for you guys?

Have a look at it here:

https://www.goodsamapp.org/

The way it works is that it triggers a message to any nearby registered medics/first aiders, so that they go to the location to do first aid until the paramedics come. I think it's quite an innovative and cool idea.

For the record I have no affiliation with this, purely was made aware of it in a H&S bulletin, and heck, if it can help save 1 person then surely it's worth giving it a go, and offer feedback to the developers?

I've registered (I'm a 1st aider) - so thought I'd pass the word.

Peerzy · 8 Sep 2014 at 12:51

It sounds like a really good idea, but when something terrible happens 99% of people are going to pickup their phone and dial 999 as they have been taught to do since they were 5 - I wonder how many will remember to go into an app and then click call for help?

antijoke · 8 Sep 2014 at 12:54

Imagine needing to use it with no/poor data connection.

porushinobu · 8 Sep 2014 at 12:55

Freefaller said:
OP

I would register but my basic first aid and fire fighting is years old and has expired

best to play it safe me thinks

Peerzy said:
It sounds like a really good idea, but when something terrible happens 99% of people are going to pickup their phone and dial 999 as they have been taught to do since they were 5 - I wonder how many will remember to go into an app and then click call for help?

people will call 999 first and if they remember do the app second I think

Freefaller · 8 Sep 2014 at 12:57

anticonscience said:
Imagine needing to use it with no/poor data connection.

Well you wouldn't use it in that occasion, this would surely just be an additional layer of help rather than a dependency?

Amnesia · 8 Sep 2014 at 13:01

What if something goes wrong or questionable advice is given
Lawsuit time ? I think people would avoid it in fear of that.

Good intentions though

Freefaller · 8 Sep 2014 at 13:02

A first aider does what they can. I've never heard of someone being sued because they tried to save someone's life?

But yes you do pose a sad fact of modern society. However how different is it to any tom dick or harry giving first aid despite not being first aiders?

dirtychinchilla · 8 Sep 2014 at 13:04

I don't think people honestly worry about lawsuits like that in the UK. You'd laugh it off, anyway.

Pretty good idea, hopefully some lives will be saved by the quicker response

platypus · 8 Sep 2014 at 13:05

I think the alert to nearby responders is a good idea.

antijoke · 8 Sep 2014 at 13:05

Freefaller said:
Well you wouldn't use it in that occasion, this would surely just be an additional layer of help rather than a dependency?

How would you know you didn't have a good/fast data connection though?

Numerous times I've tried to use my phone when it shows I have a good signal but takes ages to load.

dirtychinchilla · 8 Sep 2014 at 13:07

If someone can ring 999, and in the mean time activate this app, and someone responds quicker that 999, surely that's a good thing? It's not supposed to be a replacement for emergency calls.

platypus · 8 Sep 2014 at 13:07

Maybe if the app has access to the phone and detects a 999 call?

dirtychinchilla · 8 Sep 2014 at 13:08

Could be good...it'd be very clever if it did that.

Glaucus · 8 Sep 2014 at 13:10

Amnesia said:
What if something goes wrong or questionable advice is given
Lawsuit time ? I think people would avoid it in fear of that.

Good intentions though

This isn't America. Not yet anyway. A British caught would chuck it out. Unless you didn't something massively stupid.

It's a great idea. But the fact it looks like nine if us have heard off it, makes it a bit pointless. It would need to be supported by the emergency services and have an add campaign etc.

However great idea of it took off.

Deep · 8 Sep 2014 at 13:11

Also everyone should get this app as well.
First Aid App

It gives basic first aid instructions for a variety of accidents and will immediately ring the police if needs be!

This app should be standard on every phone IMO

Dis86 · 8 Sep 2014 at 13:15

Freefaller said:
A first aider does what they can. I've never heard of someone being sued because they tried to save someone's life?

But yes you do pose a sad fact of modern society. However how different is it to any tom dick or harry giving first aid despite not being first aiders?

The guy that gave me my first aid training was unsuccessfully sued by a woman who accused him of touching her breasts as he carried out cpr. Judge threw it out.

phonemonkey · 8 Sep 2014 at 13:23

porushinobu said:
I would register but my basic first aid and fire fighting is years old and has expired best to play it safe me thinks

people will call 999 first and if they remember do the app second I think

I agree that's how it's intended to be used. The thing is though myself and my colleagues in Ambulance control will talk the person through any first aid that needs to be done when you call 999 making the app useless. That's what we are there for.

Where I suspect this tool might be more useful is where something has happened and you know you *should* be able to deal with it without calling an ambulance but you don't have the skills or confidence to do so. Having an app that could talk you through treating a minor cut or burn, or could give advice on managing cold and 'flu like symptoms etc would be immensely comforting for lots of people and might even cut down on 999 calls from people who know they don't really need an ambulance but can't manage the situation themselves.

Castiel · 8 Sep 2014 at 13:25

I don't have any particularly useful medical skills but I have plenty of language and practical skills that might be of some use in an emergency so I'll check it out and sign up to it if it checks ok...

porushinobu · 8 Sep 2014 at 13:30

phonemonkey said:
I agree that's how it's intended to be used. The thing is though myself and my colleagues in Ambulance control will talk the person through any first aid that needs to be done when you call 999 making the app useless. That's what we are there for.

Where I suspect this tool might be more useful is where something has happened and you know you *should* be able to deal with it without calling an ambulance but you don't have the skills or confidence to do so. Having an app that could talk you through treating a minor cut or burn, or could give advice on managing cold and 'flu like symptoms etc would be immensely comforting for lots of people and might even cut down on 999 calls from people who know they don't really need an ambulance but can't manage the situation themselves.

well some first aid may be undoable on scene. say someone else stumbles upon a man ran over and no signs of life. Doesnt know CPR (unlikely I know) and then uses the app. sort of a backup i guess. The app would be more useful if an implant, for monitoring an individuals life signs, were used in conjunction with it. now I know that first part is sketchy because 9/ 10 times they can reach you and be guided through things like CPR and checking for broken bones etc.

Efour · 8 Sep 2014 at 13:32

It sounds like a very good idea on paper but I'm sure it will have some legal pitfalls and backlash the first time someone tries to say negligent first aid was offered.