Ramsey County officials on Thursday unveiled a smartphone app that can direct people with basic medical training to help someone suffering a potentially fatal cardiac arrest — even before an ambulance can arrive.
The PulsePoint app is meant for people trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and for people who can use automatic external defibrillators. Another related app will direct bystanders to any nearby defibrillator. Both are free in Apple and Android app stores.
Fire and emergency medical officials from around the county unveiled the new program at a fire station in Roseville Thursday morning. In Minnesota, it's already been activated in St. Louis Park, Moorhead and Winona. It's also used by the La Crosse, Wis.-based Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance, said PulsePoint, the San Francisco-based nonprofit that runs the system.
"When seconds count, we need everyone's help to save lives," said David Brosnahan, Roseville's assistant fire chief.