COLUMBUS COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) – On June 25, Columbus County Emergency Services will present the PulsePoint app to the Whiteville City Council.

PulsePoint is an app that connects with 911 dispatchers and sends out emergency alerts. The alerts go to neighbors who have certifications with automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR, letting them know when someone nearby is in need.

Through the app, those who are helping a neighbor in need can locate the nearest public AED and respond to the emergency until help arrives.

County leaders approved the funds for PulsePoint in February. Emergency Services Director David Ransom says the goal is to help people in Columbus County access lifesaving care faster.

“Every minute counts, so this is just one more aspect we can use to help those we serve. I would love to have an ambulance in every corner of the county but that’s just not feasible,” said Ransom.

He says Columbus County is large and EMS vehicles are not always nearby. PlusePoint is free to download. Users do have to have their location services on.

County leaders say the app will only be used if someone is in a public location, they hope to have the app available to residents in the next three weeks.

“A person should not be penalized based on where they choose to live. So what we’re trying to do is get help to them faster so someone can do CPR until an ambulance gets there,” said Ransom.

The Whiteville City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m.

Copyright 2024 WECT. All rights reserved.