Firstaidpod has just launched a series of first aid podcasts for the iPod. The idea seems to be that if you find yourself in a situation where you need to give first aid, you can whip out your iPod and give yourself a little instruction. I'm not sure their first choices of podcasts (how to give CPR) are the best for just-in-time instruction (hang on there buddy while I watch this podcast, we'll get you breathing in a few minutes), but the idea is very interesting. If you can carry virtually unlimited information or training materials around in your pocket, why not?

When I used to lead wilderness trips, every few years I'd go back for a first aid refresher or advanced training. Right after the training, my first aid kit would expand greatly in size and I'd carry a wilderness first aid manual. Over time, it would always get whittled down, and the book would be one of the first things to go. I'd occasionally have to deal with a situation where training or reference materials would have been very helpful (what should you do about flesh-eating bacteria four days from the trailhead?)

It's easy to think of lots of everyday situations where it would be great to have visual training materials available away from your computer. How do I change this flat tire? How do I diagnose my dead engine? How do I get my cat out of this tree?