Brief Explanation

Challenge and Insight: Time is of essence when there is an emergency. It takes 4 minutes for the human brain to stop functioning in case of a heart attack. It takes 8 minutes for an ambulance to arrive. Is it possible to provide help earlier? And also in the most accessible manner? According to recent smartphone penetration statistics from several sources including Netsize Guide, Informa, Google, Ipsos, and Go-Gulf.com, it is concluded that by December 2011, Singapore is the champion in terms of smartphone penetration. This led us to our choice of medium. We also found out that life-saving help could be around the corner because Red Cross has 12,000 first-aiders in Singapore who are equipped to save lives. So our idea was to find a way of harnessing the collective power of these first-aiders in the most convenient and fast method – through our mobile phone. Idea: Our idea was to create a life-changing facility for Red Cross – Rapid Rescue, which puts all individuals trained in first aid at our fingertips. A mobile app that connects a First Aid seeker to a first-aider, instantly. Once pressed by someone in distress, the app sends out an SOS to first-aid trained individuals close to the victim via GPS. Along with the SOS, the app also maps out the shortest route to the First Aid seeker. In case, no first-aider is present in the vicinity, the app connects the First Aid seeker to the nearest hospital. The app also includes details of the Red Cross first-aid courses, which more people can sign up for to be certified. Results: Impressed by its value to the society, the Ministry of Health in Singapore endorsed the app. Major regional television channels reported the launch and newspapers Red Cross is now planning to launch this app in other markets. Rapid Rescue has quickly become one of the most downloaded utility apps in Singapore. Through this life-changing app, Red Cross has not only demonstrated their mission but also achieved their objectives as an organization for humanity.