Lifesaver
This is one of those simple and useful ideas that put a smile on my face. Over in Australia, the Red Cross have launched an animated download with an audio voiceover that takes you through all the steps for CPR. The technology is available through any Australian mobile phone service for a $3 charge.
I’ve been on a first aid course and I just about remember how to get someone into the recovery position, but who’s to say I’d remember when under pressure? Perhaps, simply by knowing it was on your phone and so easily to hand, you might panic less if you were ever faced with a life and death situation. And you don’t have to necessarily wait for the opportunity to use it – what’s wrong with just refreshing your memory every now and then.
It got me thinking about what other useful things I’d like to have on my phone. Stuff like the best cat’s cradle moves (carry a piece of elasticated string in your pocket and you’ll never be bored in the pub again). Stuff like where all the petrol stations are in London, or the nearest decent pubs off motorways so service stations can be avoided, how to get a dead scooter started etc etc.
Bring on more pocket infotainment, I say …
One Comment
Wolf Luecker
Posted July 4, 2008 at 12:10 pm Permalink
That’s exactly the sort of thing mobiles are good for but is surprisingly under-represented in the UK mobile space.
I actually blame the mobile industry clique. I remember a London council launching that ‘find your nearest public toilet’ mobile service, and the arrogant and ignorant comments about it on the MoMo mailing list. Clearly it wasn’t ‘cool’ or money-making enough for many members. And that’s where so many of the current mobile propositions go wrong in my opinion.
This product is also a great proof that downloadable/not-connected mobile apps are not quite as dead as many people seem to think. Especially in the Health sector there is plenty of scope for having useful things right there on your phone, not online. We made a downloadable Travel Health Guide for the BBC (sadly not live), which was very much in the same vein. I’m also working on a not-for-profit project to help parents of children with life-threatening allergies in the event of emergency. Very simple, but could be essential.
Great find!