Talking first aid kits offer quick treatment tips

The Talking First Aid Kit from Intelligent First Aid is either a really good idea, or the punchline of a really bad joke — we suspect that it's a little bit of both. Instead of having to read instructions, a verbal guide allows you to focus on the task at hand — whether it's applying a bandage or treating a mosquito bite. But we can't imagine what kind of audio they'd put on that chip to help the uninitiated deal effectively with anything as serious as a spinal injury or shock. So maybe you should just do yourself a favor and take a couple of Red Cross classes instead of assuming voice prompts will save the day.

[Via Gizmag]

[MEdwardsC @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

What happened to dialing 911? If you're out in the woods you should have taken a basic First Aid training class.

http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/courses/

[firstaid @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

Actually, shock can be treated quite easily. Lay victim down, put them in blankets to keep them warm, raise their feet 10-12" above their heart.

[Pat @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

Is this sposta be new or something? This was on The Screen Savers a long time ago. The guy from Mad magazine showed it.

Also #1 theres anouther easy way to treat shock. Step one. Lay victim down on their back. Slap across the face multipul times untill they come out of shock.

Trust me it works. My mom used to do it to me when I was young...

[Grant Hutchins @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

Well the more information available at a time this would be needed seems good to me, as long as it doesn't get in the way.

[strider_mt2k @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

(The failed "personality" version.)

"...here I am, brain the size of a planet and all they ask is how do I treat my shock. Depressing really.
I tell you I don't know how I go on it's all so horrible..."

Or that one that suffered from an unfortunate typo when "ER" was misinterpreted as "Eyore":

"Probably gonna die anyway."

[Boston Squares @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

and then the batteries run out...

What if its too loud to hear the speaker?

[G @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

Remember, folks, if there's ever a time to learn how to do something, it's right in the middle of a life or death situation.

Well-meaning but useless technology abounds in our day to day lives, so I think we tend not to notice it, unless it's a really blatant example. This thing is refreshingly stupid.

Also, to poster #3, in a true emergency, when the adrenaline is pumping, people need less info, not more. First aid procedures can usually be summed up in a sentence or two. If they can't, they shouldn't be performed by laymen.

[PHIL GARY @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

I would like to put together a complete survival kit together in case of terror attack for my web site. http://civiliangasmask.com
and http://homelandsecurityproductsusa.com

We have been featured in the Wall Street Journal
and the only missing link to complete my site is a good emergency survival kit to add to their safe room and nbc gas mask and nbc protective suit.

Let's talk - Phil Gary
614-291-9304
[e-mail]

[PHIL GARY @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

I would like to put together a complete survival kit together in case of terror attack for my web site. http://civiliangasmask.com
and http://homelandsecurityproductsusa.com

We have been featured in the Wall Street Journal
and the only missing link to complete my site is a good emergency survival kit to add to their safe room and nbc gas mask and nbc protective suit.

Let's talk - Phil Gary
614-291-9304
[e-mail]

[Ed O'Donnell @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

I am certified in basic first aid and have been so for several years. I think this is a great idea for a product. The problem today with first aid kits is they contain no instructions which are easily accessible in an emergency situation. The latest retentions studies show first aid training courses last about 3-4 weeks.
Nice Job Intelligent First Aid!

[Jane Thompson @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

I can't believe these comments!!!!Have any of you actually had to help someone in an emergency. 9-1-1 takes 8-11 minutes to arrive. What do you do during that time? It only takes 3-4 minutes without oxygen to the brain and your loved one dies. If you could have a first aid kit that talks you through doing CPR when you are paniced it could save someones life.

[Dave Hammond @ Dec 19th 2005 1:36AM]

It's obvious that the author knows little about the technology involved and even less about the nunber of deaths every year caused by injuries.

With over 24 million people headed to the ER's every year for injury care and a standard 911 response time of at least 8 minutes it's obvious why unintentional injuries are the number one killer of people between 1-34.

Wake up!!!!

[Marie @ Jul 14th 2007 1:34PM]

I have yet to see this innovation - it says coming in 2007. I did see a talking first aid Pocket PC/phone software by First Voice, which appears to have some merit. I have been in an emergency and -- I panicked and forgot my training. A quick reminder via a push of button sure would have been a benefit for me.