Launch of PulsePoint app allows citizens to respond to cardiac arrest incidents

PulsePoint notifies users when someone is experiencing cardiac arrest and requires immediate help.

By Hannah Saunders • June 2, 2022 3:13 pm
Courtesy of Cleveland Clinic.
Courtesy of Cleveland Clinic.

On June 2 the King County Fire Chiefs Association and Medic One Foundation announced the launch of PulsePoint, a free lifesaving mobile app that notifies users when someone nearby is experiencing cardiac arrest and needs immediate help.

PulsePoint is similar to an AMBER alert for those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest and uses location-based technology to alert community members of a sudden cardiac arrest in their immediate vicinity. The purpose of this app is to allow for the victims to receive assistance, prior to when first responders are able to arrive.

“The PulsePoint app means community members can help save lives by administering hands-only CPR,” said Kirkland Fire Chief Joe Sanford. “Whether neighbor or stranger, they can provide immediate help to someone in sudden cardiac arrest when they need it most—in those crucial minutes before medics get there.”

The PulsePoint app only alerts individuals to instances of cardiac arrest in public locations, not private residences. The app is available for first time users throughout King County.

The companion app, PulsePoint AED, allows users to report and update public AED (automated external defibrillator) locations so that community members can locate a nearby AED when a cardiac emergency takes place. King County’s 911 dispatchers will be able to access and share AED locations with 911 callers.

“When a person goes into sudden cardiac arrest, every minute without CPR reduces their chance of survival, so immediate help from a bystander who can do CPR is critical,” said Dr. Tom Rea, Emergency Medical Services Program Director for King County.

The PulsePoint app is a joint effort by King County fire departments, NORCOM 911, Valley Communications, King County Fire Chiefs Association, and Medic One Foundation. The partners aim to recruit and empower over 20,000 King County resident to download the free app and become a PulsePoint responder. No training is required, and whether someone responds to an instance of cardiac arrest is optional.

For more information visit https://www.pulsepoint.org/