The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
New app may be life-saver
A HELPING hand for medical staff faced with an emergency situation dubbed “the angel on the shoulder” was launched in Perthshire yesterday.
Developed by BASICS Scotland, who are based at Aberuthven, the new app will help BASICS Responders make life-saving decisions in the crucial “golden hour” ahead of the arrival of an ambulance in accident and emergency scenes across rural Scotland.
BASICS Scotland responders are fully trained doctors, nurses and paramedics who in their own time respond to 999 medical emergencies within their local area.
The app will provide guidance and the latest up-to-date technical information to guide responders through complicated lifesaving procedures as well as more routine information.
It has been designed for work in areas across Scotland specifically where mobile or internet reception is poor or non-existent and where there is no other instant access to information or support.
As well as medical information the app will give details of the nearest A&E department and contact details for expert advice from senior hospital staff.
When in range it will also send vital patient information to the hospital in advance of the patient arriving.
The app was the brainchild of members of the BASICS Scotland board who identified a need for technical support in rural areas where mobile reception is poor and funding came from the Big Lottery Fund – Awards for All with additional funding from BASICS Scotland.
Due to the level of medical information included the app is only available to BASICS Scotland Responders and members who are registered doctors, nurses or paramedics and have been specifically trained to attempt these procedures in an emergency.
BASICS Scotland responders are located all over Scotland from the Outer Hebrides to the Borders. Vehicle locator systems, funded by the Sandpiper Trust charity, allows the Scottish Ambulance Service control centres to see their location and availability to respond at any given time.
Dr Colville Laird, medical director of BASICS Scotland said: “Whilst I would hesitate to say this will save more lives — this is down to the skill of our responders, the app will give our responders easy access to critical information vital to the management of injured or seriously ill patients.”