Singapore Red Cross launches national life-saving mobile app

The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) has launched the "Rapid Rescue" app to enable a prompt response to emergencies

To commemorate World Red Cross Day, the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) has launched the “Rapid Rescue” app to enable a prompt response to emergencies.

Singapore Red Cross secretary-general Benjamin William said: “The Singapore Red Cross is also always looking for innovative ways to provide critical services to the community. We want to encourage the public to download the ‘Rapid Rescue’ iPhone application to access help in the case of emergencies and we also want to reach out to everyone to become volunteers.”

The innovative location-based application allows an injured person to send out an SOS to first aiders within a two kilometer radius.

These first aiders will respond immediately on their handphones.

The app will then map out the shortest route to the victim so the first aiders can provide help before the ambulance arrives.

Flagging off the launch was Minister of State for Community Development, Youth & Sports, Halimah Yacob.

The celebrations also saw more than 500 youths and members of the public learning some basic life saving skills at East Coast Parkway.

This article was first published in CNA