CASTLE ROCK, Colo. — A new app can bring help to people suffering from a heart attack, even before first responders arrive.
It's called PulsePoint Respond and it notifies anyone with CPR certification in the area that someone needs their help. The app is activated when someone calls 911 regarding a heart attack. Once dispatch receives that call, the local fire department and EMS can activate the app to see if a qualified person can get to the individual in need faster.
“Everything is set through your phone and GPS," said Castle Rock Police Department Public Information Officer Joe Cybert. "If you’re within a quarter mile of somebody experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, and it’s a public area, you will get a notification to your phone alerting you that something is happening.”
PulsePoint Respond only gives out address to public places — not home addresses — when activated.
This is especially important for this holiday season, when, according to the American Heart Association,more heart attacks happen than any other time of year.
“It’s critical to have that time cut down by somebody who can provide that effective CPR and or defibrillation before our responders get on scene,” Cybert said.
So far, no one has been saved locally by using the app, he said, but first responders are hoping more residents will sign-up, so more can benefit from the immediate assistance.
He said the American Heart Association estimates that the survival rate doubles, and can even triple, with this early intervention.
The app can also notify users about other emergency situations happening in their area.