Life-saving app technology comes to Burlington County

VOORHEES, N.J. (WPVI) -- Hundreds of Virtua Health managers downloaded a new app called PulsePoint Friday that enables them to become potential lifesavers in Burlington County.

How does it work?

If someone in the community suffers cardiac arrest, 911 is called, and EMS teams are dispatched. At the same time, a PulsePoint alert goes to people who have signed up and are CPR-trained, located within a quarter mile of the patient.

"The most important thing in any cardiac arrest is for someone who is close by to immediately start CPR," said Scott Kasper, Director of Emergency Services for Virtua.

In fact, studies show bystander CPR increases survival rate. So does quickly using an automated external defibrillator or AED. The PulsePoint app also shows the closest AED.

"We're bringing both the CPR and the electricity to the patient as quickly as possible, and that's what will make a difference," said Kasper.

The app was just launched in Burlington County, but its success has been proven in other areas.

Drew Bassee of Oregon, who was hospitalized after cardiac arrest last year, said it saved his life.

Bassee said he went down in a parking lot, and a security guard called 911.

At the same time, Scott Brawner, an off-duty firefighter, got an alert through PulsePoint. He was working out at a gym next door.

"It turned my radio off, and then gave me just a series of beeps. And I got a Google map of the location," said Brawner.

"When Scott got to me, I wasn't breathing, I had no pulse," said Bassee. "If he hadn't performed CPR, I wouldn't be here right now."

Officials with Virtua Health and Burlington County expect to train more residents in CPR and have more lifesavers on standby.

"This app will not only encourage more people to learn CPR, but it will ultimately save countless lives," said Kasper.

Go to virtua.org, and click on the Classes and Events link.

Choose "CPR/ Emergency Cardiovascular Care" on the drop-down topic menu.

Put in your location, then choose "Heartsaver CPR with AED 2015."

Currently classes are scheduled for Virtua employees.

To learn more about Pulse Point, visit: www.pulsepoint.org