Google Maps layer helps Singapore users find defibrillators

Damian Koh | Nov 30, 2009

(Credit: ShowNearby)

My only encounter with a defibrillator is on TV dramas such as House, ER, or Grey's Anatomy. It's a device that delivers electrical pulses to the heart and can save the life of someone who's having a cardiac arrest, that much I know. While a defibrillator is not as common as a public loo or automated teller machine, it could save a person's life in an emergency.

So what we have here is a global location map of automated external defibrillators (AED) with Singapore just being added to the list. Australia and Japan are the other two countries with this feature in Asia Pacific. Unlike the defibrillators used in surgical theaters, the AED are simple units meant for use by the layman.

According to the president of First Aid Corps' Singapore Chapter, Dr Dana Elliott, ShowNearby's PathFinder helps users quickly find the locations of the nearest AEDs. On an Android smartphone with built-in GPS, the application which can be downloaded from the Android Marketplace will detect the user's location and display a list of nearby AEDs. After selecting a location, Google Maps will show the location of the user and AED, as well as the directions to the latter.

Elliott added that the AEDs have voice guidance. This means anyone can listen to the audio instructions and use the device should be situation call for it. The AED also has an internal computer which can measure the heart rhythm and advise whether a shock is needed (this means you can't go around tasing others). In some countries, the use of AEDs requires certification. In Singapore, users are encouraged to take up a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)-and-AED course to learn how to use the device properly.

For non-Android smartphone users, they can download the AED map layer and install it on Google Maps on their devices. It's a slightly cumbersome process, but at least Android users aren't the only ones who are getting the rarely used, but handy information.

Filed under: Mobile Phones
Leave a comment | Bookmark | Share