Echuca nurse Stephanie Vick to launch healthcare app KeepSafe

Her pop had a shocking fall which resulted in a broken pelvis. Inspired, an Echuca nurse aims to support those in need with an app that could “change the lives of billions”.

Echuca nurse Stephanie Vick has developed an app called KeepSafe.

An Echuca nurse whose grandfather was left on the floor in pain by himself after a fall has invented an app that could “change the lives of billions” of people around the world.

Stephanie Vick, an intensive care unit nurse at Goulburn Valley Health in Shepparton, has been working on her app KeepSafe for two years.

Ms Vick was inspired when her late grandfather Ken Colvin had a fall at home, where they found him writhing in pain on the floor.

She would later find out her “pop” had fractured his pelvis in the incident.

Mr Colvin, who played 55 games for South Melbourne in the 1960s, died in 2021.

In the aftermath, the mother-of-three wondered what would have happened if they had not been happening to visit him that day.

“How long would he have suffered before being found,” she said.

Ms Vick, with more than 10 years experience in healthcare, has seen first-hand the challenges faced by those who are vulnerable and lack access to support networks.

Her app will aim to “provide a simple and affordable solution that empowers vulnerable individuals to live safely and independently, while offering peace of mind to their families and loved ones”.

Former South Melbourne footballer Ken Colvin’s fall inspired Stephanie Vick to build KeepSafe.

Echuca nurse Stephanie Vick hopes to change the lives of millions with her app.

KeepSafe would aim to “safeguard vulnerable people”, Ms Vick said.

The app will have three simple features; check-ins, emergency alerts and inactivity monitoring. “Unlike other products, you do not have to manually activate a distress call for KeepSafe to safeguard you or your loved one … Combined, these features can lessen suffering and save lives,” Ms Vick said.

Ms Vick believes the app will benefit more than just the elderly.

“KeepSafe is so much more than just an app for seniors. There are so many vulnerable people in our community that can benefit from this technology,” she said.

Ms Vick said it could help people living alone, those who suffer from epilepsy, people who moved to a new city and also loved ones who are worried about their family.

“KeepSafe offers a means of checking on vulnerable loved ones giving peace of mind knowing they are safe and well, while alerting you if they are not,” she said.

Ms Vick, who has a postgraduate certificate in rural critical care and a master of advanced nursing practice, has self-funded $25,000 of her own research – but she needs some help.

For the project to be completed, she will need another $180,000.

Ms Vick said the app would take four months to build before it is available for widespread use.

So far, the prototype of the app has been successful, according to Ms Vick’s survey results.

The app will help vulnerable people, but also take pressure off their loved ones, Ms Vick says.

“The results have been overwhelmingly positive.”

If her app can get off the ground, she will be able to achieve her ultimate goal: “Change the lives of billions of vulnerable people by helping them feel safe,” she said.

“Just a small donation can make a huge difference for millions of vulnerable people.”

You can help Ms Vick’s app get off the ground here.