A FAR north Queensland woman has created what she describes as the world’s first “smart first aid kit” including a mobile phone app giving instructions on how best to provide medical help in situations such as a snake bite or broken bone.
Tracey Beikoff, 39, has already sold about 4000 of her “rescue swags” online in Australia and is looking to expand into US and New Zealand.
Her Mareeba start-up has recently received $100,000 from the Palaszczuk Government’s Advance Queensland Ignite Ideas fund to film virtual reality scenarios to add to the app as an education tool. The first one on how to treat venomous snake bites was filmed last week.
“It’s about empowering people to be able to self rescue in those situations where you are a bit more remote,” Ms Beikoff said.
“It’s important that people not only have the gear that they need and are able to do first aid, but also that they know how to use it.”
Innovation Minister Leeanne Enoch said many Queensland businesses had developed world-class products and services but lacked the financial capacity to successfully commercialise them.
She said the Queensland Government’s Ignite Ideas fund was about helping businesses get products to market faster, boosting business growth and creating jobs.
Ms Beikoff started working on the idea for her Rescue Swag five years ago after a friend fell off her horse while they were riding on the Atherton Tableland.
She developed the Rescue Swag idea as a way to raise funds for her local RSPCA. The original swag included first aid gear such as compression bandages for snake bites, a sling, splint and dressings.
The concept has since expanded with the addition of the app which can provide people first aid information even in areas without mobile phone coverage. She’s created three different rescue swag modules – for major accidents, snake bites and burns, and minor incidents.
“I soon realised there was a broader demand for rescue swags and a much bigger market out there,” Ms Beikoff said.
The Ignite Ideas fund grant will allow her to progress towards commercialisation of the product overseas.
Read original article by the Courier Mail here.