App Roundup

Smartphone applications are being designed to make EMS life easier

Dozens of apps are offered for Andriod, iPhone and Blackberry smartphones that can improve productivity and enhance personal and professional quality of life. Here’s a snapshot of a few noteworthy applications worth checking out.

Droid Apps

EMS ALS Field Guide
Informed Publishing, $7.99

According to the developer, this EMS ALS app “puts critical information at the fingertips of an EMT.” It includes updated advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) algorithms and complies with the American Heart Association’s 2010 Guidelines for CPR.

 

Features include quick navigation, bookmarks, search capability, ability to add notes and calculators. Topics include:

  • Current ACLS algorithms;
  • 12-lead ECG section and acute myocardial infarction;
  • Airway management/rapid sequence intubation (RSI);
  • Top prescription drugs;
  • Emergency and ACLS drugs;
  • IV drips, drug infusions and dosages;
  • Poisons and overdose/”rave” drugs;
  • Medical emergencies section;
  • Fibrinolytics for acute myocardial infarction and stroke/cerebrovascular accident;
  • Childbirth, diabetic and respiratory distress;
  • Pediatric resuscitation, drug doses and vitals;
  • Trauma, triage, mass casualty incident (MCI) and Glasgow coma scales;
  • Pulse oximetry and infectious diseases;
  • Quick EMS Spanish translations;
  • Lab values, metrics and notes; and
  • Interactive calculators.

Note: An Android EMS BLS Field Guide app is also available for $7.99.

 

Read complete description and buy the app on your phone or at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.informedpublishing.EMSALS.

Firehouse Scheduler
Leaky Nozzle, $5.99

This nifty scheduling application may be useful to you (or your loved ones) if your schedule has a pattern to it or it repeats after a certain amount of days. It also allows users to create multiple custom shift cycle calendars to keep track from friends’ or family members’ schedules.

 

According to Leaky Nozzle, the app supports 99% of all shift work schedules (24-, 14-, 12-, 10- or eight-hour shifts). Features include:

  • Save to your SD card;
  • Multiple custom schedules;
  • Vacation stats;
  • Sick stats;
  • Comp time and holiday time;
  • Stats on shift trades and swaps;
  • Kelly shift schedule days;
  • Overtime stats;
  • Pay days; and
  • Create custom events.

Read a full description and buythe app at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.QuiteHypnotic.FireCalendar.

NREMT Paramedic Exam Prep
Upward Mobility, $4.99

Upward Mobility’s NREMT Paramedic Exam Prep app for Android contains a targeted curriculum of 402 questions covering all necessary content areas required for the certified paramedic.

 

According to the developer, the questions were written by NREMT-certified experts “with a thorough and up-to-date knowledge of EMS material.”

 

Each question is paired with a thorough explanation to reinforce comprehension and “to bridge the gap between knowledge and practical patient application.” The app covers all topics on the NREMT Paramedic Cognitive Exam, including: Airway, respiration and ventilation, cardiology and resuscitation, trauma, medical, obstetrics and gynecology and EMS operations.

 

The app includes a Study Mode in which users can progress at their own pace, and a Test Mode that simulates the testing experience with time constraints. Note: The app is not affiliated with NREMT.

 

Read a full description and buy the app at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dblpartners.NREMTParamedic.

Pedi Safe Medications
iAnesthesia LLC, $4.99

This app provides a pediatric emergency guide for medications, airway equipment and Broselow colors. Features include:

  • Weight-based doses;
  • Broselow colors help identify pediatric patient’s weight;
  • Airway equipment selecion and size;
  • Normal vitals signs for pediatric patients; and
  • ACLS and pediatric ALS (PALS) emergency medications.

Read a full description and purchase the app at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.pedisafe.

TransZilla Translater
Borixo, Free

TransZilla is a free translator that uses Google Translate. It supports more than 50 languages and can be used to translate both words and sentences. Users simply type text into the translator and click “go.”

 

Features include:

  • Text to speech (TTS);
  • Translator voice input;
  • Share translation via SMS/e-mail; and
  • Detect.

Read the full description and download the free app at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kodexo.translator.

EMS Notes
EMS Operations, $4.99

Developed by a full-time paramedic, this note-taking tool for use on scene logs call info, vitals, treatments and call times. Features include:

  • Respiration timer;
  • Contraction tracker;
  • Drip calculator for certain drugs (will add more upon request);
  • Audio and visual queues to help you set a drip;
  • Selec from preset drugs;
  • Drug doses;
  • Treatments;
  • Preset past medical history allergies and medications;
  • Customizable presets; and
  • A phone list for storing multiple phone numbers for one location.

You can also archive calls, send as an e-mail and call in your patient reports from the app. The developer says they are “open to developing a custom version to link with your PCR program, if possible.”

 

Read the full description and purchase the app at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.emsnoteemsoperations.

Fast Food Calorie Counter
Concrete Software, Inc., $2.99

We all know EMS providers often resort to fast food dining. Designed to promote healthy eating on the go, this guide can keep diets on track. At press time, it included 73 restaurants and 9,141 menu items. Each item has nutritional information, including calories, fat, carbs, fiber and protein. Updates are free.

 

Read the full description and purchase the application at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.concretesoftware.caloriecounter.

iPhone Apps

Shift Calendar 48×96
Gil Estes, $.99

Shift calendar 48X96 is a full functioning, eternal shift calendar designed for firefighters and EMTs/paramedics, as well as their family and friends. The calendar provides a three-platoon, six-day schedule, where a given platoon is on shift for 48 hours and then off for 96.

 

The app tracks three shifts in a 24-hour rotation of A-A-B-B-C-C, repeat. Features include:

  • Custom shift day designation;
  • Customizable color schemes; and
  • The ability to keep notes for each shift day.

Note: This developer also offers the Shift Calendar Kelly and Shift Calendar apps.

 

Read the full description and purchase the app at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/shift-calendar-48×96/id363637573?mt=8.

Fast Food Calories
Nonobitsoftware.com, Free

This app provides a simple way to find out exactly what’s in that fast food you’re eating, including calorie, fat, protein, sodium, cholesterol, fiber, sugar and carb content. Fast Food Calories covers more than 100 popular restaurants, providing their full menus and nutritional information.

 

The app comes with a large calorie and nutrition database that runs offline for hundreds of menu items.

 

Users can selec a serving size and date, and then add the entry to a food log, providing a simple food diary. Other features include:

  • More than 15,000 menu items from 103 fast food restaurants;
  • Ability to search restaurant menus;
  • Saves food log for up to a year;
  • Search-as-you-type; and
  • Multitasking support.

Read a full description and download the app at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fast-food-calories/id402447013?mt=8.

Pedi Safe, ICU, OR, ED Medications
iAnesthesia LLC, $.99

This rapid reference tool supports emergency pediatric care, including advanced airway management and cardiac resuscitation. Field providers can quickly identify a patient’s weight or Broselow color, and the app displays the appropriate weight-based dosing, equipment sizes and normal vital signs. Features include:

  • Weight-based dosages;
  • Broselow colors help identify pediatric patient’s weight;
  • Airway equipment selecion and size;
  • Normal vitals signs for pediatric patients; and
  • ACLS and PALS emergency meds.

This company also offers the following apps: Drug Infusion: An IV Medication Calculator; Instant ECG: An Electrocardiogram Interpretation Guide; and STAT Intubation: Anesthesia Airway & Equipment.

 

Access a full description and purchase the app at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pedi-safe-icu-or-ed-medications/id353863166?mt=8.

ECG Guide
QxMD Medical Software, $.99

The ECG Guide provides more than 200 examples of common and uncommon ECGs. Full reference text covers: approach to ECG interpretation; analysis of rate, rhythm, axis, P wave, QRS complex, ST segment, T wave and QT interval; ventricular hypertrophy and atrial enlargement; assessment of ischemia; approach to arrhythmia; bradyarrythmias and tachyarrythmias and heart block.

 

Content is based on the 2009 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Federation/Heart Rhythm Society recommendations for the standardization and interpretation of the electrocardiogram.

 

Features include:

  • More than 200 high-resolution sample ECGs with common and complex findings for easy reference;
  • ECG Interpreter, stepwise assistance with ECG interpretation;
  • More than 100 multiple-choice quiz test questions;
  • A rapid reference section;
  • Clear descriptions of common and complex arrhythmias and ECG findings;
  • Review etiology and differential diagnosis of common and complex arrhythmias;
  • ECG findings; and
  • Pediatric values.

Read a complete description and download the app at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ecg-guide/id301027070?mt=8.

EMS Field Partner
RITTER Informationstechnik, Free

According to the developer, the West Penn Allegheny Health System (WPAHS), EMS Field Partner application is intended primarily for use in the tri-state area encompassing southwest Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio and northern West Virginia. But it can be used by anyone as a reference tool. (It might also prove a great template for other systems.)

 

EMS Field Partner enables providers to quickly reference referral information for medical and trauma emergencies. It also provides the ability to link directly with medical command at the receiving WPAHS hospital. The GPS function provides accurate coordinates to LifeFlight dispatch to speed the dispatch of helicopters when needed. Other features include:

  • Identifiers for hospital specialty treatment;
  • Directions from the scene to WPAHS hospitals;
  • WPAHS staff references and contact information;
  • Education reference and online registration;
  • WPAHS EMS pocket reference; and
  • Pennsylvania’s BLS and ALS protocols.

Although all providers can use the app, registration is required for full functionality. Registration is free and takes less than five minutes.

 

Read a full description and download the app at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ems-field-partner/id417962608?mt=8.

SCA Alert & AED Finder
FireDepartment.org, Free

This is another innovative app that could serve as a template for other systems. According to the San Ramon Valley (Calif.) Fire Department, the app provides a virtual window into the San Ramon Valley 9-1-1 dispatch center. Better still, the app empowers those within the San Ramon Valley borders to provide life-saving assistance to victims of sudden cardiac arrest.

 

Application users who have indicated they are CPR trained are notified if someone nearby may be experiencing a cardiac emergency. If in a public place, the application uses GPS technology to alert citizens in the vicinity of the need for CPR. The application also directs rescuers to the exact location of the closest public access AED.

 

The San Ramon Valley Fire District also uses the app to communicate with its more than 700 Community Emergency Response Team members and to share information during disasters with its citizens. Note: Running GPS can dramatically decrease battery life.

 

Visit www.firedepartment.mobi for additional support and information.

 

Visit http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fire-department/id376052787?mt=8 for a complete description and to download the app.

Blackberry Apps

LifeInPocket GPS
RoadComm Inc., Free

This free app provides a search for locations, and then provides voice directions to the destination. Tools include: messaging/weather/search/local attractions/gas price/car finder; traffic; navigation; local search/ratings/reviews; White Pages; family locator; and news, video, movies, magazines, sports, cooking, finance, stock portfolio, media and more. Features include:

  • A simple and fast arrow mode. Takes you from point A to point B by voice directions without staring at the map;
  • Planning for long distance trips using PC maps;
  • Fast route calculation, no need to stream maps;
  • Re-calculation of routes anytime, any location; and
  • Send messages with addresses/global positioning system location.

Read a full description and download this free app at https://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/5829.

Mobile EMT
USBMIS, $9.99

The Mobile EMT app provides quick access to vital BLS information The interactive tool allows EMTs to quickly access detailed information on patient assessment, common medical emergencies, pharmacology, MCI situations, documentation and medications.

 

Note: A Mobile Paramedic app is also available. Read a complete description and purchase the app at https://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/21447?lang=en.

BEIKS Paramedic’s English-Spanish Dictionary for Blackberry
BEIKS, $14.99

According to BEIKS, this app provides essential English-to-Spanish medical vocabulary that field providers need to communicate with Spanish-speaking

 

patients. It provides Spanish translations to more than 820 English medical terms.

 

The dictionary also provides a quick shortcut command that instantly filters all words and phrases containing a desired word or token, and eliminates the need for browsing among 800 words and phrases.

 

Read a full description and purchase the app at https://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/4878?lang=en. BEIKS offers a free trial as well.

Dragon for E-mail (voice to text)
Duance Communications Inc., Free

This easy-to-use e-mail dictation application is powered by Dragon NaturallySpeaking software, allowing users to speak and instantly see emails by simply dictating directly within the BlackBerry e-mail client.

 

According to the developer, dictating e-mail is up to five times faster than typing on the keyboard. The app covers end-to-end e-mail needs, from dictating contact names and subject lines, to dictating email messages. Users can also reply, compose a new message or forward a message.

 

Read a complete description and download this free app at https://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/8108?lang=en.

Expensify
Expensify Inc., Free

This free app allows users to import expenses straight from a credit card. You can throw paper receipts away with the app’s eReceipts function for most purchases that are less than $75, submit PDF expense reports by e-mail and reimburse reports up to $10,000 entirely online. According to the developer, the app includes a QuickBooks export feature and enables users to set policies for employees to use. Submitted expense reports can be exported to QuickBooks, and all itemized expenses are automatically added to specified QuickBooks accounts. Users can scan paper receipts on the go and sign into expensify.com to create, submit and reimburse full expense reports online.

 

Read a complete description and download the app at https://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/3375?lang=en.

CamCard Free (Business Card Reader)
IntSig Information Co., Free

CamCard is a professional business card reader that helps users turn piles of business cards into phone contacts with several clicks, according to the developer. The only thing needed is a clear photo of each card, either by built-in camera or album files. All information on the business card is automatically recognized and categorized.

 

Supported categories include, but are not limited to: first name, last name, telephone number, mobile FAX, e-mail address, address, company, department, job title, postal, web and IM address.

 

This version also provides a card holder to save all the business card images. After the card is recognized and saved in card holder, you can make a call, send SMS/e-mail, search in LinkedIn, visit a homepage and locate the business on the Google map right from the card holder. Features include:

  • Searchable card holder. All card images are automatically saved in card holder;
  • Make a call/SMS/e-mail directly from the card holder;
  • Batch processing. Capture 1—100 cards and recognize them all at one time;
  • Auto rotate the card image;
  • Auto detect languages; and
  • Add/merge to phone contacts.

CamCard also supports 16 languages.

 

Read a full description and download the app at https://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/search/CamCard%20Free?lang=en.

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