iHELP supports networks of AED Iot devices, the first responders using a rescue call mobile app and 112 services to provide help to victims of cardiac arrest.
iHELP is a network of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) and trained volunteers (47% between 25-55 years) that respond to the triggered AED in the local community and provide appropriate help to the victims of sudden cardiac arrest. The call is triggered by an eye-witness on an AED device. An SMS alarm with GPS coordinates is sent into the 112 Emergency Call System (112). A mobile application alerts the nearby responders registered in the iHELP database that provides help using the AED device.
iHELP addresses specific challenges of national healthcare systems globally:poor awareness about the specifics of sudden cardiac arrest among citizens; late arrival of professional rescue teams at the place of an accident;complete lack of visibility and availability of AEDs.
It aims to significantly reduce the current high level of mortality (93%) in cases of sudden cardiac arrests, to increase the level of public awareness on possibilities to help victims of cardiac arrests, and improve the level of socially responsible behaviour among citizens.
iHELP community also organises Heart Friendly seminars for local communities and companies that are socially responsible. Through theoretical and practical CPR training the attendees receive knowledge on the use of AEDs and the iHELP mobile app. Stakeholders are patients with cardiac conditions, healthcare staff, relatives/carers of victims, health insurance companies, NGOs, city governments ...
Resources needed
For the service set-up 100 k€ was invested by the owner, 74 k€ from the Slovene Enterprise Fund and 64 k€ by Wayra London.
Personnel involved: 1 project manager, 1 medical technician, 3 programmers (Web, Android and iOS), 1 seller.
Running capacities: 1 project manager), 3 programmers, 1 seller.
Evidence of success
The service has proven to be effective in complementing Emergency Call System (112 service), companies and the first responders (volunteers, medical stuff, fire-fighters). Almost 27% of victims are 55+. With the established iHELP network the rescue time has been reduced by 3-4 times. Over 25.000 laypeople have been trained. Over 27.000 responders globally are registered in the iHELP database.
There are over 37.200 active iHELP app users. In Slovenia there are 2.233 registered defibrillators.
Potential for learning or transfer
There are huge needs for rescue services like iHELP that increase safety of citizens and tourists due to the facts that:
• Governments are still challenged by poor response time of emergency services
• Cardiac arrests incidents rate is high in cities with high population density but hospitals are often remote
• There is a poor knowledge on the use of AEDs among citizens.
Many countries are using iHELP (see the picture). iHELP team is active in Slovenia, Croatia and Bulgaria.
Opportunities for learning and transfer are high as the network model is set, HW and SW solutions available, training developed and almost all countries globally have their “112 services” in place. Many people are ready to volunteer and need to be properly trained. Companies could be an important facilitator as they may effectively provide the first aid within their premises. In Slovenia iHELP works with over 100 companies. The main driver besides saving lives is reduced absenteeism.
Tags: SME, Competitiveness, Social, Challenges, Solutions, Silver economy, Health, Safety, Networks
