FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — You might only think about EMS showing up after a crisis, but Three Rivers Ambulance Authority (TRAA) is trying to help out before medical emergencies strike.
“We recognize that if somebody has a cardiac arrest, 75% if somebody does CPR and applies an AED (automated external defibrillator), they will survive that event. For every minute that goes by, it drops about 10%. So after three minutes are down to a less than 50% chance,” said Joel Benz, TRAA executive director. “So we’re looking at how we can up front this to help improve outcomes.”
The movement to equip everyday people with lifesaving knowledge when it comes to sudden cardiac arrests is a three-step approach.
- Cataloging where AEDs are in the community
- Informing people when they can help someone in cardiac arrest
- An upcoming educational event
“PulsePoint”, an app TRAA is partnering with, will accomplish the first two tasks. According to the app’s website, PulsePoint is a “911-connected app that can immediately inform you of emergencies occurring in your community and can request your help when CPR is needed nearby.”…