Public places and private workplaces across the nation are working to better respond to cardiac emergencies by stepping up efforts to map the location of the closest AEDs and developing new ways to access this information. Websites such as www.AED4.us, www.nationalaedregistry.com and www.firstaidcorps.org map the location of all identified AEDs. Innovative ideas and technologies are being used to make these databases as comprehensive and accessible as possible. For example, the Singapore-based First Aid Corps, a coalition of individuals, companies and volunteers seeking to improve survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest launched “AED Nearby” (iPhone) and “ShowNearby AED” and “AEDSync” (Android) smartphone applications designed to help users locate the nearest AED. The apps allow users to add new AED locations that are not already included in their global database. The group has also sponsored AED hunts, challenging users to find and report new AED locations.
Another app called iRescU, developed by a global interdisciplinary team of experts in emergency care, public health, media technology and interface design, combines this AED locating capability with AED/CPR training and support in an emergency situation. iRescu sponsors ongoing challenges in which participants take a photo of any AED anywhere in the world and upload the photo and AED type and location at www.iRescU.info/AEDupload.htm.