Knowing CPR is something that everybody should know, but unfortunately that's not the case. So when an emergency situation arrises, it can make matters a lot worse if there's nobody around to do CPR when needed.

Rockford Fire Department just launched a new app that aims to solve that issue. PulsePoint is a free-to-download mobile app that alerts CPR-trained citizens of cardiac events in their vicinity so they may administer aid.

Rockford Fire Chief Derek Bergsten explains to WTVO -

As soon as a 911 call comes in, that someone needs CPR and is in cardiac arrest in a public space, the alert goes out to people that are trained in CPR. They are geographically close, so they can respond and begin CPR till EMS arrives.

Isn't that incredible? It kind of makes you wonder how an app like this doesn't already exist because it's a great way for those who are CPR trained to know when they're needed. EMS coordinator Brian Park says the fire department offers hands-only CPR training, so if you're looking to learn, be sure to take advantage of this awesome local resource. This quote from Park really made me re-think the fact that I don't know CPR -

Chest compression-only CPR is something very simple and really, when you pair it down, it only takes about 30 to 90 seconds to effectively teach somebody, and that can be the difference between life and death.

The Rockford Fire Department isn't the only local organization backing the app. All three Rockford hospitals are financially supporting its launch as well.

You can download PulsePoint here.

H/T WTVO 

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