Mobile and digital technologies are revolutionizing how we learn and apply first aid, leading to a more informed and prepared public. Recognizing these innovations offer numerous benefits that directly improve the outcome of first aid education and application, making a tangible difference in emergency situations, Survival Skills Vietnam has been consistently investing in new technologies. 7 years after the launch of its first digital product – the First Aid SSVN mobile app, Survival Skills Vietnam has developed an ecosystem of digital technologies to maximize the life-saving benefits of first aid education.

SSVN First aid app

Expanding Access and Flexibility

Traditional first aid courses can be limited by geographical location and scheduling constraints. Digital technologies break down these barriers, making vital knowledge more accessible,

  • E-learning platforms and online resources offer comprehensive training modules and interactive elements allows for personalized learning experiences, where individuals can track their progress and focus on areas that need improvement. These apps provide step-by-step instructions, videos, and quizzes, enabling individuals to learn at their own pace and refresh their knowledge whenever they need to.
  • The online platforms enable the participation of large group of learners without scheduling constraints. Instead of disrupting production schedule or service provision for all staff to attend traditional first aid training, many Schools and Factories are providing specialized first aid course to hundreds of staff at the same time via SSVN E-learning platforms.
  • In 2024, the health sector starts adopting SSVN digital solutions to overcome geographical limitation to provide professional skills to health workers. The Nutrion for New Borns online course launched under collaboration between Survival Skills Vietnam, National Institue of Nutrition and Alive & Thrive has provided the essential skills to more than 3.500 health workers across Vietnam in just 2 months.

Boosting Engagement and Knowledge Retention

Digital platforms can make learning first aid more engaging and interactive, leading to better knowledge retention:

  • Visual and auditory learning can be enhanced through digital platforms. The use of videos, sound instructions, and animated content can cater to different learning styles and improve comprehension, particularly for complex procedures. Survival Skills Vietnam have been collaborating with many Vietnamese television channels for many TV shows to demonstrate first aid steps for everyday situations making first aid concepts more familiar with the public. Recently Virtual Reality (VR) is being implemented for more immersive learning environment.
  • Survival Skills Vietnam also offers a collection of interactive revision materials to remind leaners about first aid procedures. Learners can scan the posters, handbooks, emergency cards or key chains with their phones to play interactive content such as videos, virtual realities and app.

Empowering Bystanders to Act

Laypeople don’t deal with emergencies everyday. Therefore, an incident happens, they may find it unfamiliar or don’t remember precisely what they learn. In these scenarios, Digital tools can empower bystanders to respond effectively in emergencies, potentially bridging the gap between recognizing a medical emergency and providing assistance:

  • The SSVN First Aid mobile app offers instant visual instructions to specific emergencies helping users recall the skills that they learn and provide help with precision and confidence. With recent updates, users are also assited with CPR rythm prompts, location of nearest stroke hospital, instructions to call emergency hotline effectively.
  • Most of printed materials of SSVN are digitally enhances: You can access emergency instructions or multimedia learning materials. by scanning your Smart In-case of Emergency Card, Keychain, Posters, Handbooks.
  • Beyond first aid, The SSVN First Aid mobile app is regularly updated with new instructions such as Drowning Prevention, First Aid for Mental Health etc. to help users be prepared in any unexpected situations.

Accessiblity for All

People with disabilities face elevated injury risks. When emergencies happen, it’s also more difficult for them to escape or call for help. However, there are very limited CPR and First Aid educational materials that are accessible in the world. Survival Skills Vietnam is one of the pioneer in the ASEAN region to produce accessible learning materials for people with disabilities such as:

  • Instructional videos and E-learning courses with sign language for the deaf.
  • Braille books and Audio books for the Blind. The materials are being circulated by the Vietnamese Blind Association.

The experience of Survival Skills in Vietnam in delivering first aid education to people with disabilities is being shared to neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Indonesia via various projects.

The Future of First Aid Education: A Blended Approach

While digital technologies offer many benefits, a blended approach that combines online learning with in-person, hands-on training offers the most comprehensive and effective approach. Learners acquire theoretical knowledge through digital platforms and refine practical skills under the guidance of qualified instructors.

Survival Skills Vietnam is the first to introduce blended first aid training in Vietnam. The course instantly became the most favourite courses for individuals and families as it offers time flexibility for theory learning and shorten face-to-face practice to fit in learners’ busy schedules. The success experience of Survival Skills Vietnam is being implemented in delivering training to medical professionals in courses such as Nutrition for Newborns and Advanced Trauma Care.

Mobile and digital technologies are empowering individuals, enhancing learning, and improving emergency response in first aid. By embracing these advancements, we can foster a safer and more resilient society equipped to handle medical emergencies effectively.

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