Palaszczuk Government funds innovative ‘smart-aid’ kit which could save lives

An ultra-compact first-aid kit that will help thousands of people make the right decisions in emergency situations is being backed by the Palaszczuk Government’s Advance Queensland fund.

Innovation Minister Leeanne Enoch said the Original Rescue Swag is one of 119 innovative businesses across Queensland sharing in $16.5 million from the first two rounds of Ignite Ideas funding.

“Many Queensland businesses have developed world-class products and services, but lack the financial capacity to successfully commercialise them,” Ms Enoch said.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s Ignite Ideas fund – another Advance Queensland innovation and jobs initiative – is about helping businesses get products to market faster, which boosts business growth and creates jobs for Queenslanders.”

Advance Queensland Ignite Ideas funding targets startups and small-to-medium-sized enterprises to help them with rapid commercialisation of their market ready innovations.

The Rescue Swag was founded in 2013 by Tracey Beikoff, who said it is the world’s first ‘smart-aid kit’ that connects to an app and shows people how to use their first aid gear. The swag also has extra functionality, including a sling, splint, immobilisation unit and even a birthing mat to assist women during labour.

Mrs Beikoff said the product has the potential to save lives. “It allows people to apply first-aid correctly anywhere, anytime,” she said.

The Mareeba-based startup has recently received $100,000 in Advance Queensland funding to progress the commercialisation of the product, including field testing and market research, to better understand markets in Australia and the United States.

Having come up with the idea after a minor horse riding incident, Tracey recognised a need for a more mobile first-aid kit and launched the Original Rescue Swag as a way to raise funds for her local RSPCA.

“I soon realised there was a broader demand for rescue swags and a much bigger market out there,” Mrs Beikoff said.

“This is a significant breakthrough in the first-aid market, introducing functionality and engagement in a way that has not previously been possible before.

“We provide our customers with an engaging way to connect with rescue swags, which in turn increases first-aid response skills and preparedness to guide people during emergencies.

“With support from the Queensland Government, our product will better prepare many thousands of new first-aid responders with the equipment, knowledge and confidence to take the right action in emergency situations regardless of whether they have mobile phone coverage – which is an important feature when you’re in the outback.”

In 2015, the Original Rescue Swag landed a $220,000 deal with prominent Australian investor and Shark Tank celebrity Steve Baxter to grow its manufacturing base and ramp up marketing activities.

“I saw huge potential in The Original Rescue Swag. It really caught my eye and had international appeal – which was a sound bet for me,” Mr Baxter said.

“Tracey has an Aussie product that is great for any sort of outdoors adventure like horse-riding, motor biking, kayaking – and it has potential to make a real difference.”