According to the American Heart Association, every day nearly 1,000 Americans are killed by sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Once SCA strikes, time is critical. For every minute that passes without a patient receiving resuscitation, the chances of that person surviving decreases by 10 percent. Unfortunately, 60 percent of SCA victims don’t get CPR until professional help arrives and often, it’s too late.Â
That is why the City of Morgan Hill has teamed up with Fire Departments within Santa Clara County and El Camino Hospital to launch the PulsePoint mobile app to all of Santa Clara County, according to a press release from the City of Morgan Hill. PulsePoint is a location-based app that alerts CPR-trained citizen bystanders that a person nearby requires help, allowing them to start CPR before the ambulance arrives, and save valuable time. When 911 is called to report a SCA, the 911 operator sends a PulsePoint alert, which is received by nearby app users who are provided the location of the SCA emergency. The app can also help locate the nearest Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to use in resuscitation efforts.Â
PulsePoint, when combined with CPR and AED training, is a powerful combination to potentially saving a life, according to the press release. Today’s Good Samaritan laws are designed to protect those who decide to come to the aid of someone in need.Â
If you live in Morgan Hill and have an Apple or Android smartphone, visit the Apple App Store or Android Apps on Google Play to download the PulsePoint app. If you aren’t CPR trained, sign up for training today by visiting the American Heart Association website at www.heart.org or the American Red Cross website at www.redcross.org/CPR-training
For more information on the PulsePoint mobile app visit www.pulsepoint.org
