PulsePoint is a smartphone application that provides an alert to CPR-trained subscribers whenever someone is experiencing a cardiac arrest and is in need of CPR nearby. Although the app can also be used to receive informational alerts about fires and other emergency activity in the area, because PulsePoint alerts in Aurora are generated simultaneously when EMS responders are dispatched to the area, information about fire and emergency alerts can at times be erroneous and spotty.

After carefully reviewing subscriber data and patient outcomes, Aurora Fire Rescue has made the decision to end its paid subscription to PulsePoint (executed through AFR’s emergency medical services partner Falck Rocky Mountain) going forward.

In the five years since AFR joined PulsePoint, it has found no single instance of the app leading to hands-on CPR being applied prior to AFR’s arrival.

However, AFR continues to encourage the community to become CPR certified, and to call 911 whenever someone is need of help. When someone is in cardiac arrest, beginning chest compressions as early as possible can make a life-or-death difference and aid in successful outcomes.

To become CPR certified and learn other first aid skills, contact the American Red Cross at redcross.org.

To receive alerts about emergencies in Aurora, click here to subscribe to Alert Aurora via the city of Aurora’s emergency alert provider, CodeRED.