What is the best free first aid app in Australia?

The Australian Red Cross First Aid app and the St John Ambulance app are the two most-downloaded free first aid apps in Australia. Both offer offline-ready step-by-step guides for CPR, choking, bleeding, burns, allergic reactions and seizures, plus emergency call shortcuts. Emergency+ is the Australian Government's official emergency app that auto-shares your GPS location with 000 when you call.

Are first aid apps reliable in an actual emergency?

Yes - apps from major first aid organisations (St John, Red Cross, ARC) are clinically reviewed and accurate. They are not a substitute for training, but they are excellent memory aids during a real emergency. Install them BEFORE you need them, allow location permissions so they can find nearby hospitals, and practice opening them quickly from the home screen.

Should I install first aid apps that work offline?

Yes. Mobile signal often fails in the exact rural, beach or bushwalking settings where first aid is most needed. Choose apps that explicitly state offline support (St John, Red Cross First Aid, and most ARC-endorsed apps qualify). Test the app in flight mode to confirm content loads before relying on it.

5 Best First Aid Apps for Your Phone (Australia)

First aid app on smartphone showing emergency CPR steps

Reviewed by the Medibc First Aid Team — last updated May 2026.

First aid is an essential skill that can help save lives. While nothing beats first aid training, having first aid apps on your phone can enhance your knowledge and help you out in an emergency.

Phone with first aid resources for at-home emergency reference

Check out our guide to the best first aid apps — we’ve handpicked five apps to download today.

Each of them is free and easy to use, so make sure you install them once you’ve finished reading this article!

1. Australian Red Cross First Aid app

The Australian Red Cross First Add app is a guide to help you give first aid or CPR, if required. You’ll find clear and simple step-by-step instructions on how to perform many first aid tasks, with images and videos to help you.

It’s suitable even if you haven’t done any first aid training and is just as good if you want to brush up on your skills. As well as info on common first aid issues like burns, bites and stings, you’ll also find guidance on giving psychological first aid covering topics like panic attacks and hyperventilation.

2. Kids Health Info app

The Kids Health Info app has been devised by the experts at The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne and covers a wide range of conditions that affect children, including both first aid scenarios and more general health information.

A variety of factsheets cover common kids’ health issues such as head injury and rashes. There’s also a resources and information section for kids, so they can be proactive about their health.

3. Australian Bites & Stings app

When it comes to wildlife, Australia has got it all — and that includes creatures that can deliver a nasty nip or sting. That’s why you need the Australian Bites & Stings app so you can take the right action quickly if someone near you has been stung or bitten by a snake, spider, jellyfish or insect.

As well as offering first aid advice, this app gives info and pics on some of the venomous animals that we share our space with. This will help you learn which creatures are dangerous and to steer clear of to avoid being bitten or stung. You’ll also find advice on how to prepare if you’re planning a trip to the bush or beach.

4. HeadCheck app

The HeadCheck app is designed to help you recognise the signs of concussion and get the right treatment. It takes you through a series of questions to identify concussion. It can also help you track your recovery and suggest activities to aid you on the path to wellness.

This app is a godsend for anyone involved in contact sports, where the risk of concussion is higher, and for parents or carers who may be concerned about concussion in their children.

5. Emergency+ app

The Emergency+ app has been developed by Australia’s emergency services and uses the GPS function in smartphones to help you give precise location details if you need to call triple zero (000).

It includes the ‘what3words’ system to ensure easy identification of the user’s location, as well as a pin drop tool to allow precise emergency location details. You’ll also find CPR videos to take you through the technique, should you need to use it.

What else can I do to be prepared?

Having the best first aid apps on your phone is just one action you can take to help prepare you for an emergency.

First aid app on smartphone showing emergency CPR steps

Here’s what else you can do to prepare for a first aid situation:

Go on a training course. Look for a course with a reputable, recognised provider such as St John Ambulance Australia or the Australian Red Cross. You’ll learn all the essentials or can top up or refresh any training you’ve done previously.
Keep a well-stocked first aid kit at your home, workplace and in your vehicle. Make sure others know how to access your kit, and check it regularly to ensure its contents are up to date.
If you have a long-term medical condition, wear a medical wristband to ensure that caregivers are aware and can give you the right treatment if you are the one needing first aid.
You can also sign up to a secure online medical records system to give access to your medical information, medication details and emergency contacts.

Visit our online shop for the best first aid kits

Downloading these apps is a quick and easy way to help you prepare for a first aid situation.

You can also be prepared by making sure you have a first aid kit to hand. Check out our selection of quality first aid kits in our online shop, where you’ll find one for every location.

We’re one of Australia’s top providers of first aid kits, refills and medical supplies, so you’ll be sure to find everything you need in our shop.

Just reach out if you’re not sure what you need — our friendly team are here to answer all your questions about our quality first aid kits and supplies!