iPhone App Offers Comprehensive CPR Training

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 02 Mar 2011

An updated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training app for iPhone gives users real-time feedback on their performance.

The new version of the ZOLL PocketCPR for iPhone allows users to practice effectively CPR at the new recommended depth of chest compressions of at least 5 centimeters, and the proper rate of at least 100 compressions per minute. The training app provides clear visual and audio step-by-step coaching on CPR performance and includes the initial steps to follow in the "Chain of Survival.” The PocketCPR for iPhone provides Real CPR Help, the same proprietary technology found in all ZOLL defibrillators and automated external defibrillators (AEDs), with real-time feedback on the depth and rate of chest compressions.

Image: The ZOLL PocketCPR app for iPhone (photo courtesy of Bio-Detek).

The PocketCPR app is free, but also offers expanded CPR training content as an in-app (app within an app) purchase. The CPR training program contains videos, written and practical evaluations, and the opportunity to acquire a CPR course completion certificate. It features nine video modules that teach the important steps of the latest guidelines, as well as review and test questions that reinforce and evaluate one's knowledge of CPR. The program also measures the student's ability to perform chest compressions and help perfect this skill, using sophisticated algorithms and the phone's internal accelerometer as the instructor. The app integrates elements of social media as well, allowing users to post directly their accomplishments to Facebook and Twitter to encourage others to also learn CPR.

"PocketCPR for iPhone can be used in CPR training programs or for individual practice at any time. The app will prepare both professionals and lay rescuers to perform CPR for victims of sudden cardiac arrest,” said Mark Totman, president of Bio-Detek (Pawtucket, RI, USA), which developed and manufactures the PocketCPR for the iPhone. Bio-Detek is a wholly owned subsidiary of ZOLL (Chelmsford, MA, USA). "The updated app now has all-new graphics and is user selectable for multiple languages and metric units.”

The PocketCPR app achieved over 100,000 downloads during its introductory year, and is available free of charge through the iTunes App Store (please see Related Links below).

Related Links:
Bio-Detek
ZOLL
Apple iTunes App