First Aid and Design: When Every Second Counts

First aid is often confusing because the products are poorly designed and emergencies are stressful.

As an industrial designer and part time EMT and first aid trainer, Moritz has seen how hard to use products can block life saving actions.

With the design of the Emergency Layer System Moritz explores how design can highlight the essentials and reduce distraction, helping people act faster and with more confidence when every second counts.

The modular emergency system structures first aid by urgency, enabling rapid and intuitive use without prior medical knowledge. Clear visual indicators guide users through three priority levels: critical bleeding, hypothermia prevention, and minor injuries.

Designed for reusability, its components can be cleaned, replaced, and extended. Compatible with standardised systems and adaptable for resource-limited settings, it offers a future-proof solution for emergency care worldwide.

The Emergency Layer System project was awarded a UX Design Award in 2025.