PASCO COUNTY, Fla. -- Pasco County Fire Rescue is the latest Tampa Bay agency to adopt PulsePoint, a 911 integrated app meant to get help to people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest as quickly as possible.

  1. About PulsePoint: The app is free to download on Apple or Android smart phones. Users who specify they're trained in CPR get an alert when there's a cardiac emergency in a public place near them. The app also provides directions to the person in need and information about whether there's an AED nearby. They can then perform CPR until first responders arrive. 
  2. The Need: According to PulsePoint, 1,000 people in the U.S. die everyday from sudden cardiac arrest. PCFR Quality Assurance Division Chief Tim Reardon said crews respond to about 1,000 calls each year that would qualify as PulsePoint alerts.
  3. Pursuit of PulsePoint: Cassin said PCFR began looking into PulsePoint three years ago. The program will cost the agency $18,000 per year.
  4. PulsePoint in Polk County: Polk County Fire Rescue Public Information Officer Chris Jonckheer said PulsePoint was introduced in that county in August 2018. He said according to data from PulsePoint, 3,544 people who said they're certified in CPR are signed up for the app. This year alone, there have already been 130 instances in which alerts were sent by the app.
  5. How to Get PulsePoint: For more information about the app and to learn how to download, visit their website.

For more information, watch the video above.