PulsePoint app users save a man’s life from a heart attack.
Technology can provide numerous ways to save people’s lives. A useful application of technology is the PulsePoint app which connects users trained in CPR with other people who urgently require their help. This was the situation in Seattle, in Stephen DeMont’s case.
Last week, Stephen collapsed right in front of the University of Washington Medical Center, at the bus station. He taking a bike ride when suddenly felt lightheaded and collapsed because of a heart attack. Fortunately, enough nearby citizens trained in CPR were alerted through the PulsePoint app just in time to save Stephen.
The app was invented by Richard Price, a former fire department chief for 33 years. In one ordinary day when he happened to have lunch, he saw that an EMT arrived nearby to save someone having a cardiac arrest. Price was bothered by the fact that he could have administered CPR and used the automated external defibrillator (AED) he had in his car, if only he was aware of the situation.
This event prompted Richard to have the idea of the PulsePoint app. With some work, he eventually made his idea into a reality and has been saving lives ever since. Around 900,000 people have downloaded the app and at least 34,000 were alerted to people requiring CPR. Over 13,000 alerts involved cardiac events.
The app was developed in 2011 but only recently cities like Seattle have started wide adoption programs seeing how beneficial it is. The app works through the emergency services system. When someone makes a call requesting help, the 911 operators alert the PulsePoint app users within a certain radius that CPR assistance is required. The location of the closest portable EDA is also provided.
The PulsePoint app is extremely useful as it allows the timely intervention in cases where time is essential to the survival of the suffering person. For example, cardiac arrest is a medical condition which if it is not addressed within a few minutes it will cause damage to your organs and brain. After 10 minutes the chances of surviving drop to zero. The app fulfills an important role in cases where emergency responders just don’t have the resources or time to reach the affected person in time.
Image source: Vimeo
Michael Turner
