On Saturday, February 2, the City of Boca Raton Fire Rescue Services launched a new app for Boca Raton called PulsePoint at the 2019 First Responder Expo. The smart-phone app links to the 911 dispatch system to notify registered CPR-trained citizens at the same time first responders are contacted when someone is experiencing cardiac arrest in a nearby, public location. PulsePoint provides the exact location of the individual in distress as well as the nearest automatic external defibrillator (AED).
Once the app is downloaded to a mobile device, residents who are CPR-certified have the chance to receive “CPR needed” notifications that will alert them of time sensitive emergencies like cardiac arrest within a quarter mile perimeter. The notification provides an address to a business or location name. Swiping the message will then display a live map showing the reported address of the cardiac arrest victim and any nearby AEDs. The map continues to update the responder’s location as they move toward the victim or AED and provides them with turn-by-turn spoken directions.
Once the responder arrives to assist the victim, they are advised to position the victim with their backs flat on the floor. Once the victim is in position, the responder should start to begin hands-only CPR with straight arms and forceful downward compressions in the middle of the victim’s chest. A CPR how-to button provides chest compression-only instructions as well as a metronome to assist in maintaining a proper 100 compressions per minute tempo. The app can also inform residents of emergency activities in real time as well as send notifications for significant events such as wildland fires, flooding and utility emergencies.
With over 2,000 registered PulsePoint responders in Palm Beach County, Boca Raton Fire Rescue Services encourages not only off-duty medical professionals and first responders to download the app, but for everyday civilians to become CPR-certified and possibly assist in saving a life in their community as well. Visit the Fire Rescue Service webpage for more information, or our CPR page to signup for a class.
For more information about the PulsePoint app, tune in to Episode 16 of our Boca Behind the Scenes podcast, where you hear information first hand from our Assistant Fire and Division Chiefs. You can also visit Fire Rescue Services webpage for more details.
To listen to all Boca Behind the Scenes podcast segments, visit the City's podcast page or follow us on Spotify. (More podcast platforms coming soon!)
