Earthquake survivor says iPhone helped save his life

Here's a remarkable story coming out of the horrendous tragedy in Haiti. Colorado Springs resident Dan Woolley was at a Port-au-Prince hotel when that tremendous earthquake struck, trapping him with a compound fracture in his leg and a laceration on his head. Fortunately for Dan, he had his iPhone and a medical app with him (plus a lot of luck), which he used to successfully diagnose and treat his injuries.

Using the light from his iPhone's screen, Dan examined his wounds and identified the extent of the damage using the ~~unnamed~~ app. From there, he looked up the appropriate first aid techniques and applied them with pieces of his own clothing. Later, as he waited to be rescued, he diagnosed shock, again using that medical app. Update: A commenter over at Wired's Gadget Lab site tracked down Dan's review for Pocket First Aid & CPR [$3.99, iTunes link], so now we know which app was the lifesaver.

First aid apps are well represented on the App Store, and might prove crucial in an emergency. The US Army First Aid Manual [$1.99, iTunes link] and Survival Guide [$1.99, iTunes link] may be suitable for you; if you want more clinical information and CPR help, the free WebMD Mobile [iTunes link] or CPR Hero [iTunes link] may deserve a spot on your phone. There's also a podcast to help you learn the techniques of CPR for child and adult rescue.

It's an amazing story of survival, and we wish Dan and everyone affected the best. If you're looking for a way to support the relief efforts, you can do your part -- and get some great software to boot -- today at Indie Relief or Mac Bundle Box.

[Via MacDailyNews]

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Source: http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local-beat/Earthquake-Survivor-…

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Here's a remarkable story coming out of the horrendous tragedy in Haiti. Colorado Springs resident Dan Woolley was at a Port-au-Prince...

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Beauty Salon Plano

An Earth-quake causes heavy loss. Experts call for taking adequate precautions to minimize losses. Alarmed by the recurrence of quakes during recent years, should be taken as a signal for a major earthquake.

February 16 2010 at 8:21 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Jon Riggs

Another good app to check is out is available at RediVideos. It is very useful for first aid information. They are available for both iPhone and Blackberry and feature full video instruction on what to do in a medical emergency. You can find them here http://www.redivideos.com.

February 05 2010 at 9:18 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Teddy Brunson

marcymcuvm, i also like using socialflyr iphone app. i have been sending digital flyers out everday for a bunch of things. when i am on my way home i even shoot my wife a socialflyr to let her know. ya know select one of the 65 templates and send a nice looking card.

January 25 2010 at 10:54 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Henry Garman

Wether or not the first aid app saved his life, it`s always good to have access to the info you need when you need it. Dan sure appreciates the value of the first aid app. One that i use is the video series from Redivideos http://www.redivideos.com which is the same content that i received in a certified training course.

January 25 2010 at 4:20 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

marcymcuvm

If I were him I would have dl'd socialflyr and blasted out a flyr to all my peeps as well. Gotta keep up with social networking

January 20 2010 at 6:24 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

mi_sat

I call bullshit.

January 20 2010 at 6:09 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Pn2bade

This is why the droid will fail

January 20 2010 at 4:07 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Ogden

I'm Ogden, and I'm one of the developers at Jive Media, creators of Pocket First Aid & CPR. I'm super proud that our app was used by Dan Woolley to stay alive. You can see more at http://jive.me/firstaid/.

January 20 2010 at 2:12 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Filthy Dirty Jeep Girl

Do I smell a hoax? How'd his battery last so long?

Seriously, I'm glad to hear he is safe.

January 20 2010 at 1:42 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to Filthy Dirty Jeep Girl's comment

David Frantz

Well let's not go completely negative here. The first thing to realize is that the iPhone did not save his life, he did. I'm sure there others in the same situation that simply used a match or a flashlight to see what is broken or missing. The reality is that you either lay down and die or you fight.

As to battery life any body with any sense would go to Airplane mode when the networks go down. Further the phone would be shut off completely for extended lengths of time. You should be able to milk an iPhone for days like this.

I'm glad he is OK too and is able to leave. The unfortunate thing here is that the international response has been absolutely disgusting. The major problem BEng the focus of sending in "aid" to an area that is totally destroyed. Like it or not there needs to be a massive population draw down, which drastically reduce the possibility of a major health tradgey. A managed exodus would have greatly smplfied the in country response and provide for a rapid redevelopment of the country.

Dave

January 20 2010 at 2:18 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

TIm

Sorry guys, hate to be the party pooper. But looking at the vast demolition and the tens of thousands lives lost .. not the right moment to cheer for a freaking gadget, kind of leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

T.

January 20 2010 at 1:28 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply