Dublin Firefighter Launches Life-Saving App

‘Save a Selfie’, an interactive mobile App that allows members of the public to take “selfies” alongside emergency equipment, was officially launched yesterday by the Lord Mayor of Dublin Críona Ní Dhálaigh and representatives from Dublin Fire Brigade, Order of Malta, St. John Ambulance and the Red Cross.

The App, which has been developed by volunteers, allows members of the public to take selfies with life-saving devices. The images are uploaded to the App and its locations are tagged on a map. Photos that are uploaded will be shared with members of the emergency services and the public to raise awareness of the locations of these critical life-saving devices. These locations can also be shared on social media.

In December 2015, Social Innovation Fund Ireland opened the inaugural Animate Programme, Ireland’s first ‘non-profit accelerator’. Through this programme, Save a Selfie received a €5,000 bursary, which has helped develop and launch the App.

Ardmhéara, Críona Ní Dhálaigh said: “Awareness and education is the key to keeping our communities safe and the Save a Selfie app is the perfect opportunity for individuals to get involved and help save lives alongside the emergency services. Fanaigí Slán.”

Seán Peters, Founder of Save a Selfie and Dublin Firefighter, said: “This App will empower people to help others. People typically walk past 15 life-saving devices every day, but there is no database available or information on their locations. The ‘Save a Selfie’ App has been designed to help people upload selfies and share the locations of emergency equipment with their communities. Knowing where the nearest defibrillator, life ring or first aid kit is located will help saves lives in the future. In an emergency situation seconds count.”

How ‘Safe a Selfie’ works:

– Download the App

– Take a selfie at your nearest defibrillator, life ring or first aid kit

– Upload image to the ‘Save a Selfie’ App

– This will then be shared with members of the emergency services and members of the public

– The devices location will be tagged

– In an emergency situation, check the App for the nearest life-saving devices

The App is available from iOS and Android and can be downloaded from www.saveaselfie.org.