Kaua‘i Fire Department announces launch of PulsePoint App
LĪHU‘E – In recognition of American Heart Month this February, the Kaua‘i Fire Department and the County of Kaua‘i announce the public launch of PulsePoint Respond, a life-saving mobile application designed to improve survival rates for individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
“By connecting trained citizens to cardiac emergencies in their community, PulsePoint Respond empowers the community to provide immediate assistance while professional responders are on their way,” said KFD Fire Chief Michael Gibson. “The PulsePoint Respond app enhances our ability to respond quickly and effectively in the critical moments following a sudden cardiac arrest, and we are proud to bring this lifesaving technology to Kaua‘i. Mahalo to the Office of the Mayor, Kaua‘i Lifeguard Association, Hanalei Initiative, and the Kaua‘i County Council for their support in bringing PulsePoint to the island.”
The community is encouraged to download PulsePoint Respond. The app is free on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store by searching for “PulsePoint.”
PulsePoint Respond alerts users trained in CPR and willing to assist in an emergency, notifying them if someone nearby is experiencing a cardiac emergency. The app is location-aware, sending alerts to those trained in CPR when a cardiac event occurs in a public space. In addition to notifying citizens, the app directs users to the nearest publicly accessible Automated External Defibrillator (AED), which is crucial in providing immediate aid while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.
February marks Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about heart disease and encourage people to take action to protect their heart health. According to PulsePoint, more than 350,000 people suffer from sudden cardiac arrest each year in the U.S., but bystander CPR and the use of an AED can significantly increase the chances of survival. PulsePoint Respond allows everyday citizens to intervene in cardiac emergencies and potentially save lives before first responders arrive.
The app’s notifications are only sent after the 9-1-1 system has been activated, ensuring the response is coordinated with emergency services. This system is designed to be a critical part of the chain of survival, providing a faster response, and enhancing public safety.
For residents interested in learning more about PulsePoint and how they can help during a cardiac emergency, the following resources are available:
For more information, please contact the Kaua‘i Fire Department at 808-241-4980 or kfd@kauai.gov.
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