Category Archives: CPR

Pocket CPR

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Pocket CPR is a post from: Best Iphone Apps Review Website

Developer: ZOLL Medical Corporation
Price: FREE
Version Reviewed: 1.0.5

Graphics / Sound Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars
Controls Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars
iPhone Integration Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
User Interface Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Re-use / Replay Value Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Overall Rating: 3.8 out of 5 stars

The Boy Scouts have a motto: Be Prepared. The Cub Scouts have one also, but it has nothing to do with being prepared, or this review. That said, iPhone users have access to thousands of apps in the app store that provide readily available expert reference and guidance regarding many different topics, allowing us (iPhone users) to always “Be Prepared.”

This is a review of Pocket CPR, an app that helps us “be prepared” to save a life in the event someone needs Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Although there are many similar apps in the app store, Pocket CPR is a training tool and is free.

Pocket CPR for iPhone “coaches” it’s user through the CPR process, using clear visual and audio step-by-step instructions, as well as feedback, to guide students or trained personnel through CPR practice. The app’s description contains the following disclaimer:

NOTE: The Pocket CPR for iPhone is currently for training and practice purposes only. The application is not yet cleared by the U.S. FDA for use in an actual rescue.

The one feature that separates this CPR (training) app from others, is its use of “feedback,” explained below.

When opening Pocket CPR, two things are immediately clear:

1. There’s not much really to this app, and
2. This app is for TRAINING USE ONLY.

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The “I” links to a built-in users manual. The user can configure his/her settings to define a pre-determined emergency number, which is available for use throughout the process, or start CPR, “with breathing” and “hands only.”

Both processes provide clear audio and visual instructions, allowing the user to set the iPhone down until beginning chest compressions and every instructional screen (which the user can advance through using finger swipes) contains an option to dial the pre-determined emergency number.

Prior to the user/student/trainee beginning chest compressions, he/she is instructed (via audio and visual) how to properly hold the iPhone when giving chest compressions:

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The student/trainee then receives instruction on proper chest compression techniques, e.g. hand placement, etc., then the “coach” kicks in, advising the user to begin CPR:

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Pocket CPR then utilizes the iPhone’s accelerometer hardware to pace chest compressions, detect the rate of actual compressions and the proper depth of those compressions (using the “Depth Gauge” and a corresponding red/green bar displayed on the screen) and notify the student to push faster, slower or remain at their current rate. This is all accompanied with/by visual and audio feedback:

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After detecting 30 chest compressions, the app prompts it’s user to provide ventilations after the detection of 30 chest compressions:

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The process repeats itself until it’s stopped by the user (I quit after 4 “sessions.”).

I did find it somewhat difficult (not to mention uncomfortable and precarious) to hold my iPhone in that manner while giving chest compressions. However, since this is a training app, none of that should factor into your use of the application. I also verified the accuracy of the app’s depth gauge by using a 12-inch ruler. It’s definitely accurate.

In all, if provided with the proper equipment (a CPR “dummy,” etc.) this is a good app for trained personnel and/or learning students to practice with, but I wouldn’t use it in a real-life situation. As impressive as this app is, it’s no substitute for real, proper training. If you’re looking for a detailed, instructional app for giving CPR, this is not it. It’s simply a good (free) training aid that compliments personal knowledge of the CPR process and how to perform it properly.


PocketCPR Puts Hands-On Experience Right At the Heart of Learning

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PocketCPR Puts Hands-On Experience Right At the Heart of Learning is a post from: Best Iphone Apps Review Website

Price: $0.99    Score: 10/10    By Anna Papachristos

It takes only a moment to download an iPhone application. In that very moment, you could also save a life. But what if you haven’t been trained with the skills you need to help someone in trouble?

Well, there’s an app for that. With PocketCPR by Bio-Detek, Inc., anyone can learn and practice the techniques crucial to proper and successful CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).  With a focus on accuracy, PocketCPR’s real-time feedback and instructions make it a great tool for training programs and personal practice.

PocketCPR utilizes the accelerometer hardware in the iPhone/iPod Touch to provide real-time feedback as part of the coaching process, the same technology used by Bio-Detek’s actual PocketCPR device, cleared by the FDA for actual SCA (sudden cardiac arrest) rescue.

According to the developer, “The technology, based on ZOLL Medical Corporation’s Real CPR Help, is a patent protected accelerometer-based tool to train the user in the proper skills of life-saving CPR.  All other CPR apps available are only reference tools and are merely content based without using the accelerometer to teach the motor skills required to do proper CPR.”

With its simple interface, PocketCPR presents a clear-cut home screen that outlines the user’s three options.  First, users (with an iPhone) can call 911 for emergency help directly from the app.  Otherwise, users can choose to start their CPR training with breathing or with hands only.  Accompanied by audio and visual step-by-step demonstrations and graphics, PocketCPR begins by teaching the initial steps for the chain of survival.

Users are first prompted to check victim’s responsiveness and call for help, followed by opening their airway, checking their breathing and giving two breaths.  PocketCPR then informs users of how to position their hands (with iPhone/iPod in hand) in order to begin CPR.  Users who already know these steps can skip right to learning the compression process.

By holding your device as you practice, PocketCPR can measure the rate and depth of your compressions, telling you if you need to push faster, slower, harder or softer.  The clicking of the app’s metronome helps users keep the proper pace when performing these compressions to gain a sense of how they would behave in an actual rescue case.  PocketCPR keeps track of your depth and compressions per minute, prompting for breaths after every 30 compressions.

To stay within the green zone, which is what users are aiming for to achieve success, depth range remains between 1.5-2.0”.  PocketCPR will recognize when compressions have stopped, prompting users to START CPR once again.

PocketCPR truly stands out amongst its counterparts, providing hands-on feedback as users learn.  And at only $.99, it’s no wonder there have been over 18,000 downloads since PocketCPR’s launch at the American heart Association Scientific Sessions in Orlando, FL.  This app is truly educational and potentially life-saving – not something you can say for most iPhone applications.  However, as a note to users, PocketCPR has only been approved for training and practice purposes thus far and has yet to be cleared by the FDA for use in actual rescue attempts.

PocketCPR requires iPhone OS 2.2.1 or later and is compatible with the iPhone and iPod Touch.

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American Heart Association Hands-Only CPR App Aims to Help Save Lives

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American Heart Association Hands-Only CPR App Aims to Help Save Lives is a post from: Best Iphone Apps Review Website

The American Heart Association has created a new Hands-Only CPR technique to be used by anyone when an adult goes into cardiac arrest. Their survival can literally depend on the quick action of family members or bystanders, but most people don’t receive this much needed help.

In reality, how many people actually know CPR, or can recall the information in an emergency? The unfortunate truth is, it’s not that many.  Hands-Only CPR is now available as a free app, which provides an easy to follow instructional guide. The straight-forward 2 step technique starts with:

  • 1 – “Call 911.” The app lets you immediately call the police and send for medical help.
  • 2 – “Push hard and fast in the center of the chest until professional help arrives” is accompanied by a video detailing exactly where to push, how to hold your hands, and how quickly to keep pushing.

The new and simplified 2-step technique removes the unpleasant mouth-to-mouth resuscitation that can often prevent a stranger from taking necessary action. And the best part about this app is that it gives anyone the power to save a life without questioning if they are providing CPR accurately. No excuses now to not be a hero!

This app serves as a constant reminder of the 2 step Hands-Only CPR, and even if the opportunity to provide the life-saving technique doesn’t come your way, you know you’ll always be prepared.

Hands-Only CPR is a free app and requires iPhone OS 2.2.1 or later and is compatible with iPhone and iPod Touch.

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