One year ago TVF&R was the first fire department in Oregon to implement PulsePoint - a free CPR smartphone app. The PulsePoint app enables subscribers who have indicated they are CPR trained to be alerted to a cardiac arrest event simultaneously with TVF&R’s Firefighter EMTs/Paramedics. The app alerts citizens within a quarter-mile radius of the incident (in a public place) and identifies the nearest public access automated external defibrillator (AED).

Over 300,000 people die every year from sudden cardiac arrest -most before ever reaching a hospital. Another disappointing statistic: only 25 percent of cardiac arrest victims receive bystander CPR and defibrillation. Though survival rates for people living in Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue’s service area are some of the best in the nation, we can do more as a community.

Citizens comfortable with Hands Only CPR (no rescue breathing) and/or those that have taken a CPR class are encouraged to sign up for PulsePoint. Hands Only CPR can help sustain an adult in cardiac arrest until paramedics arrive. Learn Hands Only.

The PulsePoint app also connects citizens to TVF&R’s emergency activity. Users can view active incidents and pinpoint incident locations on an interactive map. Users also can choose to be notified of fires, car crashes, rescues, and hazardous materials incidents, and listen to live radio traffic.

Nearly 7000 subscribers and counting

Over the past year, people living throughout TVF&R’s service area have downloaded PulsePoint, and many have learned CPR at community events or taken classes.

So far, 56 potential lifesavers were notified when they were close enough to render aid to someone who might be suffering sudden cardiac arrest, and one person actually performed CPR.

We’re excited about the progress that has been made, but we know the chain of survival can become even stronger with more subscribers and people trained to perform CPR.

Since many cardiac events occur at home, it’s also possible that alerts will be expanded beyond just public spaces.

Defibrillators

The most common cardiac arrest has the potential to be converted to a normal rhythm by an electrical shock delivered by an automatic external defibrillator(AED). Although our Firefighter EMTs/Paramedics bring AEDs to every emergency, it can be too late.

Public access AEDs are simple and easy to use and can administer a life-saving shock even before emergency responders arrive.

TVF&R keeps track of all the public access AEDs and they are shown on the PulsePoint map.

If your business has an AED that can be used by the public, ensure it is our PulsePoint database by emailing us at AED@tvfr.com