A free cell phone app that alerts users to active cardiac arrest incidents in their area has launched in Vermilion County. OSF HealthCare started the PulsePoint app service in the area Friday morning.
PulsePoint uses emergency dispatch to send notifications to cell phones. Anyone can then head to the location where they can help the person in need. Nathan Gorman is the EMS coordinator with OSF.
Gorman said PulsePoint will only show cardiac arrests in an outside location so that people are not entering houses. Anyone can download PulsePoint. It is free and is relatively easy to use, according to Gorman. Users will see a map and reports of active heart attacks along with inactive ones. OSF medical director Dr. Kurt Bloomstrand said getting the word out about the app will help save lives.
PulsePoint launched in Champaign County two years ago, and Gorman said at least two people have been saved by CPR based on the app.
