Skip to main content

Smart first-aid kit uses algorithms to explain how to prioritize emergencies

Our Why - Bystanders Save Lives
Technology and medical research have both progressed enormously over the past few decades, but first-aid kits have not necessarily advanced at the same rate. Emergency management startup Mobilize Rescue Systems wants to change that with its new “intelligent” first-aid kit, the Comprehensive Rescue System. Alongside the first-aid tools you expect to find in order to deal with a serious injury, it also boasts an embedded tablet in its lid — containing lessons and instructions from thousands of pages of triage and emergency response documents.

Not only is the information available to read, but it will also advise you on exactly what you need to do (and when you need to do it) in an emergency situation. And, no, you do not need a medical degree to follow its advice.

Recommended Videos

“What we’ve done is give anyone immediate access to custom instructions to aid an injured or sick person, no training necessary,” Matt Pelak, director of business development and technical co-founder of Mobilize, told Digital Trends. “Because of our unique algorithm, the input you give to the app gives you back simple directions, specifically tailored for the victim, on how to stop bleeding, do CPR, or several other treatments. This isn’t just a one-size-fits-all list of generic instructions, but exactly what you need, when you need it.”

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Pelak says that the system could be usefully incorporated into any environment, although Mobilize has had particular interest from schools and universities, the oil and gas industry, and local authorities.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

“Because of the different sizes of the kits, there’s generally a size for every need and budget, plus having the app on your phone makes it incredibly portable,” Pelak said. “The app requires no data or cell service so it can be used anywhere, and it [can be updated] through the app stores.”

The high-end hard-case version runs for $2,250, while a soft-case version will set you back $1,750. That is not cheap by any stretch of the imagination, but if you’re going to shell out on technology, you may as well do it for technology which could one day save a person’s life. If you can’t afford that, a $180 version offers a scaled-down kit that works with a user’s cellphone rather than its own tablet.

Luke Dormehl
Former Digital Trends Contributor
I'm a UK-based tech writer covering Cool Tech at Digital Trends. I've also written for Fast Company, Wired, the Guardian…
Hyundai believes CarPlay, Android Auto should remain as options
The 6.9-inch Sony digital media receiver installed in the dashboard of a vehicle.

Hyundai must feel good about the U.S. market right now: It just posted "record-breaking" November sales, led by its electric and hybrid vehicles.

It wouldn’t be too far of a stretch for the South Korean automaker to believe it must be doing something right about answering the demands of the market. And at least one recurring feature at Hyundai has been a willingness to keep offering a flexible range of options for drivers.

Read more
Dodge’s Charger EV muscles up to save the planet from ‘self-driving sleep pods’
dodges charger ev muscles up to save the planet from self driving sleep pods stellantis dodge daytona

Strange things are happening as the electric vehicle (EV) industry sits in limbo ahead of the incoming Trump administration’s plans to end tax incentives on EV purchases and production.

The latest exemple comes from Dodge, which is launching a marketing campaign ahead of the 2025 release of its first fully electric EV, the Daytona Charger.

Read more
Many hybrids rank as most reliable of all vehicles, Consumer Reports finds
many hybrids rank as most reliable of all vehicles evs progress consumer reports cr tout cars 0224

For the U.S. auto industry, if not the global one, 2024 kicked off with media headlines celebrating the "renaissance" of hybrid vehicles. This came as many drivers embraced a practical, midway approach rather than completely abandoning gas-powered vehicles in favor of fully electric ones.

Now that the year is about to end, and the future of tax incentives supporting electric vehicle (EV) purchases is highly uncertain, it seems the hybrid renaissance still has many bright days ahead. Automakers have heard consumer demands and worked on improving the quality and reliability of hybrid vehicles, according to the Consumer Reports (CR) year-end survey.

Read more