Time is of the essence when there is a medical emergency. It takes less than 4 minutes for the human brain to run out of oxygen. It takes 8 minutes for an ambulance to arrive.Singapore Red Cross Society challenged us to solve this heart-rending equation. And in the process wanted to become synonymous with disaster prevention.We found out that Singapore has the highest penetration of smartphones in the world. We also found out that there are 12,000 First-aiders in Singapore.Our idea was to use First-aiders to provide help even before an ambulance could reach the victim. Rapid Rescue - a mobile app that connects a First Aid seeker to a First-aider, instantly.

Our idea was to create a life-changing facility for Red Cross – Rapid Rescue, which puts all individuals trained in first aid at our fingertips. A mobile app that connects a First Aid seeker to a first-aider, instantly.

Once pressed by someone in distress, the app sends out an SOS to first-aid trained individuals close to the victim via GPS. Along with the SOS, the app also maps out the shortest route to the First Aid seeker. In case, no first-aider is present in the vicinity, the app connects the First Aid seeker to the nearest hospital.The app also includes details of the Red Cross first-aid courses, which more people can sign up for to be certified.

Impressed by its value to the society, the Ministry of Health in Singapore endorsed the app. The launch of Rapid Rescue lauded by all major regional television channels and newspapers Red Cross is now planning to launch this app in other markets. Rapid Rescue has quickly become one of the most downloaded utility apps in Singapore.Through this life-changing app, Red Cross will not only demonstrate their mission but also achieve their objectives as an organisation for humanity.