Several months ago, I was doing some research on the healthcare disparities between urban and rural areas. One of the significant challenges I uncovered was the impact of transportation issues and a lack of medical knowledge on rural communities. These problems are particularly detrimental during emergencies, when time is of the essence in providing assistance. In rural areas, emergency services may take considerably longer to reach patients compared to urban areas, resulting in wasted precious minutes that could significantly affect the patient’s chances of survival. Additionally, a lack of first aid knowledge hinders the ability of nearby individuals to offer immediate help.
Keeping these issues in mind, I embarked on a mission to create a solution that could assist rural communities. I developed a web app simply named “Rural First Aid Guide,” which offers step-by-step procedures for handling emergencies. This app boasts a range of features, including a voice-activated button that narrates each procedure, allowing users to receive information while keeping their hands free. Additionally, it includes an AI assistant that promptly answers quick questions without requiring users to navigate through the app. Furthermore, a hospital finder based on zip code helps users locate the nearest healthcare facility. The web app is also available in Spanish, broadening its accessibility. Notably, it prioritizes user safety by not collecting any data and includes a disclaimer emphasizing that it is not a substitute for professional medical advice and acknowledges its limitations.
After developing the app, I sought professional assistance to enhance its functionality and ensure it effectively achieved its goals. I eventually found Dr. Wachira, an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director at East Texas A&M University, and her associate, Sudheer Gopalpet. Their invaluable contributions, including insightful suggestions and addressing various concerns, significantly improved the app’s tangible and practical value. After months of dedicated work, I am thrilled to present my creation at a Public Health Showcase organized by East Texas A&M University. This opportunity will allow me to showcase my web app to a wider audience, gathering additional ideas and suggestions to further refine and enhance its capabilities.
My ultimate objective for this project is not to monetize it or sell it, but rather to raise awareness about rural health disparities and explore potential solutions using cutting-edge technologies like AI. I intend to share the code for the web app on a platform like GitHub, enabling others to access and utilize it to develop similar tools or applications. Throughout the development process, I gained valuable insights into website management and the ease of contributing to the health sector. Regardless of the scale of the impact, every effort, whether significant or minor, holds immense value.
Website link: https://firstaidassistant.vercel.app