Prize-winning BfR app for poisoning accidents among children
Doctors, pharmacies and caregivers are called upon to draw attention to the BfR app "Poisoning accidents among children" of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) by means of free posters. "The application helps to make the right decision in emergencies and should be installed on the smartphones of all parents and caregivers of small children", says BfR President Prof. Dr. Dr. Andreas Hensel. "Doctors, pharmacies and minders can make an important contribution in that they can act as multipliers drawing attention to the free app." Among other things, the application tells parents and minders about the clinical picture of different products and what first-aid measures are required. In the event of an emergency, a direct connection to the German Poison Information Centre can be established. For doctors, pharmacies and minders, free posters and memo cards on the app are available.
Released in August 2013, “Poisoning accidents among children” was the first mobile phone application developed by the BfR. Within only five months, roughly 100,000 copies had been installed. This BfR application was awarded the German Prize for Online Communication 2014 in the category “Mobile and Apps”. The application provides information on chemicals, drugs, plants and mushrooms which can lead to poisoning accidents among children. In addition, the application offers tips on how to prevent poisoning accidents. Once installed on a mobile device, the app can be used without Internet access. Both Android and iOS versions can be downloaded free of charge.
The posters about the application are available in two sizes (A2 and A3, in German). If required, additional memo cards (in German) with or without a stand can be ordered from the website of the BfR, by e-mail or by post: Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8–10, 10589 Berlin, GERMANY, E-Mail: publikationen@bfr.bund.de
Further information on the app and the information materials (in German) are available at www.bfr.bund.de/de/plakate-karten.html and www.bfr.bund.de/de/apps.html
About the BfR
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is a scientific institution within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). It advises the Federal Government and Federal Laender on questions of food, chemical and product safety. The BfR conducts its own research on topics that are closely linked to its assessment tasks.