New phone app provides help to victims of cardiac arrest

A new medical app is being launched in the Fox Valley that could shave minutes off the response time if someone has a heart attack.

It's called "PulsePoint Respond."

It's being hosted by Gold Cross Ambulance and it's about to change the way help arrives in the event someone has a heart attack in a public place, by using cell phone alerts.

"The application is utilized by anybody who has been trained in CPR and AED use. You basically download it on your phone. You affiliate with Gold Cross Ambulance, and then you will start receiving notifications when there is a cardiac arrest event in a public place," said Nick Romenesko of Gold Cross Ambulance.

The alerts go out to anyone within a quarter mile radius and also point out the location of the nearest automated external defibrillator (AED).

It's activated by a dispatcher at Gold Cross as soon as there's a call for help.

Romenesko said, "The number one way to prevent cardiac arrest or reverse cardiac arrest is early activation of the 911 system and then getting hands on somebody and doing CPR and then early defibrillation with an AED."

The app is free and covers the entire area served by Gold Cross Ambulance, which is much of the Fox Valley.

"There's really areas all across the nation right now that have it. Madison, La Crosse, I believe Kenosha, down in Milwaukee County, they've been utilizing it and they had some success," said Romenesko.

To coincide with the launch of this app an open house will take place at the Gold Cross headquarters on Saturday, June 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those who show up can learn more and also take classes on CPR or using an AED.