After huge interest in our recent post “What’s new in Apple iOS 6 for Emergency Responders?” we decided to put together a collection of apps we thought might be useful to the different industries we serve. Over the next few weeks we plan on highlighting apps that the [D4H] Crew have found useful. Today we are focusing on Search and Rescue (SAR) 

Mapping

OS Grid to GPS Coordinate Converter (App Store) - One for our Irish and UK customers. This App lets you convert to and from Irish and UK national grid coordinates. A great tool for using maps that use grid references.

Map Tools (App Store) - Map Tools converts coordinates among various datums, coordinate systems and map projections. It also calculates distance and bearing between two coordinates

Weather

Weather Alert USA (App Store) -  This is a great streamlined weather app that is fast, practical, and comprehensive NOAA weather app. Another solution is the NOAA Weather Radio listen in on NOAA Weather Radio feeds to get up to the minute forecasts of storm systems affecting the US tropics.

RadarScope (App Store) - A global weather app RadarScope is created for weather enthusiasts and meteorologists that allows you view NEXRAD Level 3 radar data.

AccuWeather (Android) - Working globally AccuWeather forecasts snow, ice, rain, wind, or the probability of thunderstorms.

Medical

CPR assist (App Store) - This App assist you in timing compressions and other interventions while practicing or performing CPR. A nice App for the less experienced or people wanting to improve their CPR timing.

S.O.S. by American Red Cross (Android) - The American Red Cross has teamed up with Dr. Oz and Sharecare to create “the ultimate emergency care application”. S.O.S. provides step-by-step instructions on dealing with a variety of emergencies, including choking, broken bones, strokes, allergic reactions and more.

The EMS ACLS (Android) - The EMS ACLS app puts critical information at the fingertips of an EMT. Again great for people starting out and looking for a easy to navigate guide to EMS.

UPMC EMS Navigator (App Store) - It’s never been easier to access the PA Statewide ALS and BLS Protocols. With UPMC EMS Navigator, the 2011 protocols are interactive and at your fingertips linking you instantly to medication information, drug calculators, and other relevant information.

Apps to share with the public as they are designed to help a person in distress. They may make a person easier find or increase the potential for a successful Search and Rescue operation.

ICE: In Case of Emergency (Android) - Medical data & contacts for first responders in case of emergency involving you stores important information for first responders and hospital staff to use in case of an emergency involving you.

SAR APP (Android) - Your first means of notifying a SAR Authority of an emergency should be via a phone call to the said Authority or by use of an approved and registered Satellite Emergency Notification Device, commonly known as a 406 MHz beacon, an EPIRB, an ELT or a PLB. Only following this primary means of notification should SAR APP be used to alert a SAR Authority or friend.

The Adventure Plan App (App Store) - Make sure you notify your friends or family where you are going and when you will return. Use this app the next time you take a flight, road trip, go boating, fishing, hiking, backpacking, climbing, biking, camping, rafting, skiing, snowboarding, go out to the bars, or just have someone new over

SMS SOS (App Store) - With SMS SOS you'll never be left stranded, as it allows you to set a "Friend Number" chosen from contacts. If in distress the App allows you to make a call at the touch of a button. 

An App we found which is not particularly SAR specific but has received great reviews and is available on both iPhone and Android is Star Walk for iPhone,  Google sky maps for Android. Which allows you to take a tour of the night sky through your smartphone. Holding your device up to the nights sky using the app will highlight the consolation and allow you access information on what you are seeing.

We believe Apps can be a good source of information however they can't replace a well trained team. To track your training and much more get started with Decisions [D4H] Today.

Make sure to share any Apps you use for SAR operations in the comments below!