Canadian Red Cross launches first aid app

An active charity organization that strives to improve the lives of those in need, the Canadian Red Cross makes a significant difference each day around the world.

One of the most essential areas where the Canadian Red Cross works to deliver support to individuals affected by adversity is in first aid and CPR, which can help make a lifesaving difference for someone experiencing a major injury or emergency such as cardiac arrest.

In honour of World First Aid Day, which is celebrated annually on the second Saturday in September, the Canadian Red Cross has launched an innovative first aid mobile application. The app, which is free and available for use on Android, iPhone and iPad devices, is intended to provide Canadians with readily available gain vital first aid and CPR information which they can easily access in the event of an emergency.

"This app will allow Canadians to learn about what to do in multiple medical emergencies, from severe bleeding to broken bones to heart attacks," said Don Marentette, national manager of first aid programs with the Canadian Red Cross. "Knowing how to recognize the signs of a medical emergency is not enough; people need to know what to do."

How important is it to have first aid skills? According to a recent poll conducted for the Canadian Red Cross, an estimated 40 per cent of people in the country revealed that they had been in an emergency situation where they needed to use first aid to help someone in need.

Despite the prevalence of people involved in life-altering situations, only half of the respondents felt their skills would be enough to help a person impacted by an emergency, even though more than two-thirds believed they could recognize the signs of a dangerous medical incident, like cardiac arrest.

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Cardiac arrest and other life-threatening emergencies can strike at any time, and when they occur, they can transform the lives of everyday Canadians in tremendous ways - sometimes for the worst and sometimes for the better.

If you have the skills and knowledge needed to react in a decisive way, you could potentially save the life of someone in need. This remarkable impact could change your existence irrevocably, along with that of the person whom you helped save from a major emergency.

With help from the Canadian Red Cross, ordinary men and women just like you can gain new abilities in first aid and CPR that could help you overcome a range of unexpected challenges and situations filled with adversity.

To learn more about first aid and CPR and to get started on the journey to greater confidence and knowledge regarding how to save a life, please reach out to your local Canadian Red Cross office.

In addition, you can show your support for the humanitarian work of the Canadian Red Cross by choosing to donate online or in-person today. Each contribution goes to benefit the lives of those affected by hardship and gives you the opportunity to make a difference.