Company
Date Published
Author
Kevin Garcia
Word count
1148
Language
English
Hacker News points
None

Summary

William Fahy, a paramedic in Ireland, observed that many people were unaware of where to find automated external defibrillators (AEDs) during cardiac arrest emergencies, which prompted him to create an AED Locator app. Utilizing Google Sheets and Retool, Fahy built a database to map AEDs across Ireland, collecting details such as address, availability, and status. Despite the manual data entry, he developed a user-friendly interface that includes search capabilities, detailed views, submission forms, and statistics to facilitate community involvement and expansion. The project's success was underscored when two young boys, informed by the app, saved a life by locating an AED during an emergency. Fahy's initiative gained traction, leading to a significant increase in database entries and media attention. He now plans to collaborate with national charities to expand the database and develop additional tools for rescue services and first responders.