Red Cross has launched a world first in First Aid with CPR instructions now downloadable to a mobile phone at the touch of a button.
The first download of the new technology was performed by Matt Welsh, former Australian Olympic swimmer, and Robert Tickner, CEO Australian Red Cross, at Federation Square in Melbourne. The download uses the latest in mobile technology provided by Ericsson and Multi-ed Medical.
“This groundbreaking technology will literally put the ability to save a life in the hands of all Australians with a mobile phone,” says Mr Tickner, “and while we know there is no substitute for an approved First Aid course, it will serve as a crucial prompt should the time arise when people are required to give CPR.”
The technology is a world first, and has been developed in conjunction with Multi-Ed Medical, a Tasmanian medical education company, and Ericsson, the world’s largest provider of mobile networks.
The downloadable multimedia application provides instructions on Adult Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). The animation is delivered with audio voiceover and describes in clear and concise detail the necessary steps required for CPR.
Tony Malligeorgos, Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, Ericsson Australia, says: "Ericsson’s IPX advanced mobile payment and messaging service provides a payment and communications gateway between the Multi-ed Medical and Red Cross application, mobile carriers in 25 countries including Australia, and end users. Ericsson's global presence of IPX will potentially facilitate an international expansion of the initiative for Red Cross, offering access to 2 billion mobile users around the world.”
Colin Evans, Director of Multi-Ed Medical, says: “Our vision is that our technology, coupled with Red Cross First Aid expertise, will empower ordinary people with extraordinary knowledge and puts the power to save a life in their hands. We are looking forward to working closely with Ericsson’s IPX service to ensure that we can cover as many individuals and organisations that wish to access the application across the global mobile phone market.”
The launch was also attended by Sherrie McDonald, whose child Abby was saved by a neighbour who knew First Aid. Sherrie believes the technology has the potential to save lives because of its accessibility and ease of use.
“I know that when Abby was revived, we were just fortunate to have someone who knew first aid nearby,” said Sherrie, “But this technology means that you can have a reminder of how to perform CPR properly, in your hands, all the time. It’s a fantastic piece of information for people to have on their mobiles.”
Red Cross is the largest first aid organisation in the world. To begin a First Aid training course, or to download the CPR animation, visit www.redcross.org.au or call the Red Cross on 1300 367 428.
To download the CPR animation to your mobile phone:
Visit www.redcross.org.au and follow the prompts to the First Aid page.
Send an SMS to 199 51515 CPR
Ericsson is the world's leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. The market leader in 2G and 3G mobile technologies, Ericsson supplies communications services and manages networks that serve more than 195 million subscribers. The company's portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, and broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and developers. The Sony Ericsson joint venture provides consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.
Ericsson is advancing its vision of 'communication for all' through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 70,000 employees generated revenue of USD 27.9 billion (SEK 188 billion) in 2007. Founded in 1876 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm and NASDAQ.
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ABOUT ERICSSON IPX
IPX greatly simplifies the business model between content providers, mobile operators and end users. It allows end users to send and receive messages, purchase content from different content providers and pay using their existing mobile phone subscription. IPX also reduces the complexity and number of economic and technical relationships required, making it a more cost-efficient solution for operators and content providers.
Ericsson IPX focuses on mobile premium and non-premium connectivity via Online Mobile Billing, WEB, MMS and SMS. Furthermore, IPX is a non-branded, white label service that is never visible to the consumers. IPX customers worldwide include broadcast media, newspapers, large corporations, and digital mobile content and application providers.
IPX is now used by more than 90 operators worldwide and has customers such as Skype, Citibank, Sony Ericsson, Samsung and MTV. The premium service, IPX Payment, provides delivery and charging for content providers to more than two billion mobile subscribers across networks in 24 countries and regions.
ABOUT MULTI-ED MEDICAL
Multi-ed Medical Limited is an Australian company that develops interactive educational programs for the health sector aimed at clinicians, patients and education providers. The company is currently building a library of medical titles encompassing some of the more common chronic diseases which will cover a large proportion of daily clinical work in both Primary and Secondary Care.
Multi-ed Medical Limited comprises a blend of high quality computer graphic artists, programmers and clinicians with business support enabling the company to deliver unique cost effective healthcare support programs.
Visit http://multi-ed.com
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