ShockRef vs UPDATE SIM
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
ShockRef
A clinical reference for managing shock and hemodynamics, offering insights into bedside physiology, resuscitation, and mechanical circulatory support. It includes practical calculators and drug references for critical care professionals and students.
- Shock phenotyping
- Resuscitation workflows
- Vasoactive drug references
- Mechanical circulatory support troubleshooting
- Physiology-based critical care
- Practical calculators
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ShockRef is a focused educational reference for clinicians and learners managing shock, hemodynamics, vasoactive therapy, and temporary mechanical circulatory support. It integrates bedside physiology, shock phenotyping, resuscitation workflows, monitoring pitfalls, drug references, MCS troubleshooting, source citations, and practical calculators for structured, physiology-based critical care. This app is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of information provided by this app. About Rishi Kumar, MD, FACC ("RK.MD") I'm an adult cardiothoracic anesthesiologist and cardiovascular ICU intensivist practicing in academic medicine. I'm passionate about teaching with free, open-access medical education. Learn more on my site: https://rk.md
UPDATE SIM
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Carry a simulated patient monitor, defibrillator, and transcutaneous pacer on your iPhone or iPad. UPDATE SIM helps instructors, universities, and simulation centers run ACLS, PALS, and emergency scenarios with a portable, bilingual tool that works without an internet connection. IDEAL FOR • Resuscitation and emergency instructors • Clinical simulation centers • Universities and healthcare programs • Hospital and prehospital teams KEY FEATURES • Vital signs monitor with ECG, SpO₂, blood pressure, and capnography • 38 cardiac rhythms for varied clinical scenarios • Defibrillation, synchronized cardioversion, and transcutaneous pacing • More than 100 preconfigured scenarios, including ACLS, PALS, PREHOSP, MAVACRIT, OBSTACRIT, EPC, and AEROCRIT • More than 50 medications with simulated physiological effects • Chest compressions with visual feedback • Spanish and English interface • Works without an internet connection • Layouts adapted for iPhone and iPad A PORTABLE TOOL FOR TEACHING AND TRAINING Organize scenarios, change vital signs, and use defibrillation and pacing functions from a single app. UPDATE SIM is designed to support practical, repeatable educational sessions. Download UPDATE SIM and bring clinical simulation to your next training room. For education and simulation only. Not a medical device and not intended to diagnose, monitor, or treat real patients. UPDATE SIM does not claim official affiliation with or certification by AHA, NAEMT, or other organizations.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: ShockRef at Free against UPDATE SIM's $49.99. UPDATE SIM's advantage is update cadence (daily vs every 4 days) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 26.0). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
ShockRef is free to download; UPDATE SIM costs $49.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
ShockRef ships an update every 4 days, UPDATE SIM daily. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | ShockRef | UPDATE SIM |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $49.99 |
| Rating | 5.0 (3 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 4 days | Daily — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | 16.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 15 MB | 7 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Rishi Kumar | Osvaldo Campos Carvajal |
In-app purchases
ShockRef
No in-app purchases
UPDATE SIM
No in-app purchases









