PulsePoint App Launches in Columbus County to Improve Emergency Response Times
Columbus County, an expansive rural area covering over 900 square miles, is set to enhance its emergency services with the introduction of the PulsePoint app. Approved by the county commissioners in February, the app connects users to life-saving emergency services and notifies CPR/AED-trained individuals when someone nearby requires assistance.
Early notification and response by trained individuals can significantly improve outcomes, particularly in rural areas where advanced care may take longer to arrive. Nick West, the Columbus County Assistant Manager, stressed the importance of bridging this gap and aiming for better outcomes across the county.
In a bid to promote the app, the county is initially focusing on informing first responders and emergency workers about its capabilities. PulsePoint comes with a setup cost of $18,000 and an annual expense of $8,000, but it will be free for users. The app also includes a feature to locate the nearest defibrillators, with the county investing $30,000 to install 18 new defibrillators in various locations, including sheriff’s offices and emergency services vehicles.
David Yergeau, Whiteville Fire Chief, emphasized the importance of quick response times in increasing survival chances. The PulsePoint app aims to foster better communication between emergency service departments and improve community outcomes.
In addition to PulsePoint, the county is utilizing Hyper-Reach for broad information dissemination and has adopted What3Words for precise location finding to aid in locating lost individuals. With these initiatives in place, Columbus County is taking significant steps to improve emergency response and safeguard the well-being of its residents.
Analyst comment
This news is positive as it highlights the launch of the PulsePoint app in Columbus County to improve emergency response times. The app connects users to life-saving emergency services and notifies CPR/AED-trained individuals when someone nearby requires assistance. With the app’s early notification and response capabilities, outcomes can be significantly improved, especially in rural areas. The county is promoting the app by informing first responders and emergency workers about its capabilities. The introduction of the app and investment in defibrillators and other initiatives show Columbus County’s commitment to improving emergency response and community outcomes.
