LAUSR

The increased availability of Wi-Fi and Internet coverage, coupled with the widespread use of Smartphones and tablet computers has facilitated the quick and efficient transfer of information through digital media, as well as the structured organisation of information into third-party apps. This paper focuses specifically on the use of a First Aid App in emergency situations, including large-scale critical events. We provide a comparative analysis of user engagement with a first aid app across nine culturally diverse countries. Due to the reported lack of reliable information provided by first aid and emergency apps generally, we analyse how organisational reputation affects user engagement with the app and provide a comparative analysis of user engagement during crises across countries with varying levels of risk. We determine that the key motivations influencing app uptake are largely dependent on users’ risk awareness and the local reputation of the app provider. We illustrate how such apps may contribute valuable insights into user behaviour during critical events across varying contexts of risk that can help fine tune user requirements for health and emergency apps across different risk contexts.