This is a guest app review by critical care paramedic JD Graziano. If you want to guest post or review on this blog, check out the guidelines here.
The iResQ App is a must have for any CCRN/Fight Paramedic/Paramedic/CCEMT-P. This app has multiple functions and is capable of creating a user interface between the care provider and patient. The app’s main features are divided into fifteen main categories that are preset based on either weight, height, and age of the patient. The app’s main design seems to allow for the user to learn, apply and perform critical procedures on any patient at anytime. Entering in patient’s information on the main screen of the app creates all proper settings, sized equipment, and preloaded information on Vents, IABPs, LMA’s, Medications, Drips etc.
Useful for Any Patient
This app is sleek and sexy with high speed, low drag. The navigation, references, and all functions are easy to navigate. The biggest advantage this app has over the competition is; from any page within the app the user is able to access references needed to treat the patient. This app is specifically designed for the critical care transport. Having said that, if you are motivated, like cool apps, and want to learn more about critical care practice then get this app. It is useful in all situations for medics or nurses. Even though this app was designed with the critical care world in mind I’ve found it useful in regular field medicine as well.
15 Categories of Settings
With the opening screen entering patient (height, weight, size) information the app will navigate you to a specific screen with 15 categories. From this screen the app has automatically set all vent settings, drug rates, dosages and equipment sizes for you. You are however able to alter any part of the app to fit within your protocols. The app also gives rationale and alternate settings to help treat your patient. This app allows for the user to think outside of the box and adopt the app to fit the situation. With charts and sliding pages feature of the IPhone there are algorithms that are very easy to follow from difficulty airway to cardiac algorithm.
Lab Value Charts
The app also provides really nice and easy to follow charts for lab values. IResQ allows for you to take information and current treatments of a patient in a hospital that you are transferring. The app will then allow you to add medication drips, vent settings and equipment sizes on that pt. The app allows for you to check and double check work that has already been done. The user is then able to continue treatment and trouble shoot if a problem arises. From the main screen of categories the user is able to navigate to injury/illness and treatments. If you have not run a code, or done RSI this app will walk you right through any of the procedures, and tell you what to do if you get in trouble. Final note, the app also has specific manufactured vent/pumps/IABP’s etc. To me this is above all the other apps. If you find yourself with a vent/pump/IABP etc that you are not familiar with, the app will help you out. In my opinion this app trims away the fat, and if you could have one app that does it all, why not the one app that adapts to you, opposed to an app that you have to adapt too. The app does not crash, the app is fast, and reliable.
Suggestion for Improvement
The one thing I would add to this app is the ability to integrate pt information from the call into the run report. Eliminate paper. If the app can integrate patient care and reference into a fluid unobtrusive interface the app would be perfect for pre-hospital care. Patient care would not be delayed but instead improved. The app would allow for continuity of treatment, and reference access when needed.
The app can be found at:
Search iTunes: IResQ.
JD Graziano is a CCEMT-P currently working for Iowa County Ambulance Service, a rural service in Iowa County, IA. He has been in EMS for 8 years and also has a background in backcountry rescue, avalanche, and snow safety. Contact him on Twitter @ajdgrazinao or email jdpmemt@gmail.com
