SUMTER COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time of the day and in any place.
According to the data from the American Heart Association, there are about 1,905 deaths from heart disease each day in the U.S.
Heart attacks are not something that can be predicted, but with a little training you can be prepared provide life-saving assistance if someone around you is experiencing one.
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In Sumter County, a program called PulsePoint aims to leverage the power of trained volunteers.
What is the PulsePoint?
PulsePoint is a mobile app designed to help save lives by connecting trained community responders with those experiencing cardiac emergencies. The Sumter County PulsePoint program initially focused on those in distress in public places, but expanded in 2019 to also include private addresses.
PulsePoint community responders are volunteers who have been trained in CPR and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and are ready to help if an emergency occurs near them.
When someone goes into cardiac arrest, the app sends an alert to the smartphone of users who are within half a mile. If they can respond, it directs them to the location of the emergency.
“PulsePoint has been invaluable to our community by empowering citizens to provide immediate assistance in emergency situations. By utilizing this technology, we provide a quick response and increase the chances of survival in critical situations, ultimately making our community safer and more resilient.” said Stephen Kennedy, Assistant County Administrator.
The PulsePoint app can be downloaded for free on iOS and Android.
Trainings are free and are held every Monday at 9 a.m. at the William “Bill” Farmer Public Safety Center which is located at 7361 Powell Road in Wildwood. Visit the Sumter County website to register, get more information about upcoming classes and see answers to frequently asked questions.