Q&F: iFirstaid Lite

Chris J. | Jan 24, 2009 Healthcare & Fitness, Quick & Free, Updates

User rating: (4 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
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When I saw this app, I hoped that it might be a handy reference in any emergency situation. Right away I could see that this app would be lacking as the only categories were CPR, Bleeding, Burns, and Poisons. Ignore the picture that appears in the iTunes App Store, while that picture of the menu shows a “More Topics” option, it doesn’t exist on the version I downloaded. Perhaps an unintentional bait and switch, but it can’t help but sour my feelings toward the app a little.

In my experience with first aid classes, there are some important topics that are absent from the app. Most notably would be a reference guide for choking. Also helpful would be sections for broken bones, heat stroke, and shock. There are of course other sections that could be considered besides those that I’ve named.

Aside from what is absent, what is present is fairly minimal as well. This is only intended as a way of refreshing the memory of a person who has already learned first aid. If you don’t already have a pretty strong grasp of CPR methods, this app will not be of much use to you. The other sections may be helpful to someone even if they don’ t already know first aid.

If you’re the “be prepared” type who needs a reminder on the specifics of only four types of first aid emergencies, then maybe this is the app for you. Personally, I would say that there just is not enough to this app to justify the space it uses.

Additional Note (1/26/09): I had a pediatrician look at the app and she noted one mistake on the CPR instructions for children and babies. If you are alone it is recommended that you first clear the airway and give rescue breaths before leaving to call 911. This is because children and babies require CPR for choking, drowning, etc. and not for heart attacks.

Update (2/27/09): First Aid for choking victims has been added to the subjects for iFirstAid Lite. This details the “back blows” method for helping a choking victim. If you are like me, and took a class which indicated alternating back blows with abdominal thrusts, this app will not help with technique reminders for abdominal thrusts.

Also, the image showing “More Options” has been removed from the iTunes store. I would have preferred that they add more options to the app, but at least the image now reflects what you are actually getting.

The CPR instructions for infants and children is still not completely accurate, as indicated in my note above. The app was developed in Australia, which may explain some of the differences in first aid instruction. Although the app is growing and adding more features, at this point I still will be sticking with my original conclusion and deleting the app after I finish reviewing it.

While the addition of choking is helpful, this app is still bare bones in terms of first aid.
While the addition of choking is helpful, this app is still bare bones in terms of first aid.
CPR instructions vary a little for different age groups.
CPR instructions vary a little for different age groups.
Very basic instructions, this should only be a reminder.
Very basic instructions, this should only be a reminder.

I prefer to go straight to number three.
I prefer to go straight to number three.
There's a handy link to the CPR page at the bottom.
There's a handy link to the CPR page at the bottom.
Keeps an open airway, also very comfortable.
Keeps an open airway, also very comfortable.

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  • iBlackdude

    Dude, you don’t know what u talking about. Maybe you don’t even know your CPR. Lame review.

  • Michael (Admin)

    iBlackdude is obviously on a mission to annoy because this review is totally right on. This “life-saving” app is basically a series of checklists that are nice reminders but they aren’t gonna save any lives.

    I do happen to know CPR and if it was as simple as presented in iFirstAid then anyone who could read would be automatically qualified. Ever seen a movie where someone is supposedly administering CPR? 99% of the time they’re doing it wrong, and this app wouldn’t bring them any closer to doing it right.

  • Chris J.

    I’ve been CPR/First Aid certified at least 6 times (possibly more, I lose count). My point in the review was not that the information is wrong, but that it won’t help if you need a reminder on anything more than the very basics.
    Aside from that, there just isn’t much of a variety of topics.