City of Akron Announces Launch of Lifesaving PulsePoint App
Mobile app, funded with support of Cleveland Clinic Akron General, alerts CPR-trained citizens to nearby cardiac arrest events at public places
City of Akron Press Release
From the desk of Ellen Lander Nischt
Published: 05-31-2018
Akron, Ohio, May 30, 2018 - Today, Mayor Horrigan and the Akron Fire Department launched the lifesaving PulsePoint app in Akron to notify off-duty medical professionals and everyday citizens trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of nearby cardiac arrest events – in hopes of facilitating immediate CPR during the crucial moments before EMTs arrive. The local launch of PulsePoint was made possible with the generous support of Cleveland Clinic Akron General.
“The PulsePoint app is a free tool that our citizens can use to potentially save a life,” Mayor Horrigan said. “As City and public safety officials, our duty it so take care of our citizens, and we urge our citizens to take care of one another too, by learning CPR and being willing to assist a cardiac arrest victim if needed.”
The free mobile app alerts citizens trained in hands-only CPR when someone in a nearby public place is reported to be suffering sudden cardiac arrest. Akron public safety communications will send alerts through the PulsePoint app as they dispatch first responders to the scene. The app will also provide users with the location of the closest available automated external defibrillator (AED).
“When someone suffers sudden cardiac arrest, immediate CPR by a bystander can double or even triple that person’s chance of survival,” said Dr. Amy Raubenolt, EMS and Paramedic Program Medical Director at Cleveland Clinic Akron General. “With the PulsePoint app, a nearby CPR trained citizen can respond and perform lifesaving CPR until paramedics arrive. Since the app also shows the closest AED, the responder can also defibrillate the person, giving the victim an even greater chance at survival.”
“Sudden cardiac arrest strikes without warning. Unfortunately, only 32% of cardiac arrest victims get CPR from a bystander, and only 10% of individuals suffering a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting survive,” Akron Fire District Chief Joe Natko said. “The PulsePoint app has been successfully used in other communities to increase the frequency of immediate CPR and improve outcomes. We are proud to partner with Cleveland Clinic Akron General to launch this important technology here in Akron, and I encourage every Akron resident to consider learning CPR and downloading PulsePoint to support Akron’s first responders in saving lives.”
Anyone with a smartphone can download the free PulsePoint app through the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Once the app is installed, Akron residents or workers should select the agency “Akron Fire”. Once downloaded, the PulsePoint app allows users to receive push notifications for cardiac arrest events occurring at public places within .25 miles of their current location. Alerts will not be issued for cardiac arrest events occurring at private residences.
Additionally, the PulsePoint AED app allows users to log data regarding AEDs in public buildings to help establish a comprehensive registry of available AEDs in Akron. This data can be used by other app users, as well as local police, firefighters and medics when responding to an emergency.
The help educate the community about how to administer hands-only CPR, Akron Fire officials will provide free CPR demonstrations and other safety information at community events throughout the summer. A list of scheduled events is available here.
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For further information, contact:
Ellen Lander Nischt
Press Secretary / Assistant Director of Law
166 S. High Street Akron, Ohio 44308
Phone: 330/375-2325
E-mail: [email protected]
