App-based first aid learning: what applications do we have now?

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is one of the leading causes of emergency medical calls in Russia. Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for OHCA can increase the chances of preserving bodily functions, reduces the likelihood of severe complications and shortens hospital-stay. However, traditional methods of first aid training and CPR cannot cover a large number of people in a timely manner. Therefore, new approaches are necessary. Gamification is considered the most perspective as it allows for learning “anytime and anywhere”. Objective. To identify potential applications for first aid training and basic CPR courses in Russian market. Material and methods. We reviewed the AppStore and PlayMarket application databases. After selection, 6 applications were used for analysis. Anesthesiologists and intensive care specialists (n=30) were asked to go through each application and evaluate it using the uMARS and SUS scales. Results. After reviewing 4.917 applications, only 3 (0.06%) ones were suitable for first aid and basic CPR training. All applications focus on assessment of environment, but only one teaches how to use automatic external defibrillator. None application described the correct position of the body and hands during CPR. Additionally, none application was translated into Russian. Conclusion. There is a significant lack of applications for training in first aid and CPR. Development of domestic application and gamification of first aid and CPR can increase the number of people with appropriate skills. This will potentially reduce mortality and increase survival of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.