Stanford releases coronavirus screening iOS app for first responders

During the coronavirus outbreak, it’s important to take care of the people on the front lines. 

That’s why Stanford Medicine launched a new app called First Responder COVID-19 Guide.

The app was built with the help of Apple’s ResearchKit and CareKit — the company’s open-sourced platforms that make it easier for people without a coding background to create useful apps. 

Since we’re learning something new about COVID-19 almost every single day, experts at Stanford will make sure the app is constantly being updated with the latest details.

It’s important to note the app is meant for those who live near Santa Clara or San Mateo counties in California. Stanford Health Care is now offering high-priority drive-through COVID-19 testing in those areas for paramedics, police, and firefighters. 

Using the app, first responders are taken through a series of questions based on their symptoms, exposure to the coronavirus, and medical history. This information is then used to determine whether a test is necessary. 

If it is, the first responder has to notify their agency’s department infection control officer who is then supposed to work with Stanford Health Care to schedule an appointment. The medical center is accepting all first responders, so it’s not required to already be a patient there.

If the symptoms are severe, first responders can bypass the app and go through their agency’s infection control center to schedule a high-priority test instead.

All of the results are saved to the app, too. So, first responders can show the data to their primary care physician for reference if needed. 

In terms of privacy, Stanford University says your data is all securely stored on your device. It’s not shared with Stanford or Apple either, unless you actually give permission. 

There are also plans on expanding high-priority testing to additional frontline essential service workers like grocery store clerks and those who work in public service, along with first responders in other counties. That way, more people across the Bay Area can take advantage of the app’s services.

But since it’s live on the App Store, it’s technically available for anyone to download. So, even if you’re a first responder who lives in another state, it might still be useful.