Erlanger emergency services have new phone app designed to save lives

ERLANGER, Ky. - Erlanger is one of only four cities in the country to employ a new mobile phone application designed to alert trained Good Samaritans that someone is in need of CPR nearby.

"If a person can get aid in seconds as opposed to minutes it makes all the difference in the world," said Officer Steve Castor of the Erlanger Police Department.

Erlanger's 911 dispatch computer system will now notify the users of the PulsePoint CPR/AED notification application within a half a mile that someone nearby needs CPR or an Automated External Defibrillator.

"The application will also let the user know where the nearest AED is," said Lt. Justin Brinkman of the Erlanger Fire Department.

First responders will still be sent to the emergency but the idea is to get some trained help to the scene sooner.

In the 10 days that Erlanger went online with the program one such notification was sent.

"There was an incident at Thomas More in which an activation did go off there was a responder who had the app within a half a mile.  They weren't able to get to Thomas More to complete the cycle but we are already beginning to see that people who have the ability to assist are being notified," said Castor.

Castor says that the application will notify someone within a half a mile so that those who are further away won't be tempted to rush across town to help.

"You have to respond under normal circumstances and get there in a safe manner to render aid.  If you create a situation where you're involved in the accident you've further delayed the response to the initial victim," said Castor.

The alerts will only be sent out when the medical emergency is located in a public place.

"If you're at home the system is not going to make notification because we do not want strangers coming to your house," added Castor.

For more information on the app visit pulsepoint.org .