05/21/2026
Following EMS week theme of Improving outcomes together let’s talk about PulsePoint!
❓How did we get PulsePoint?
* East Central Illinois EMS, has sponsored the use of the app for Vermilion and Champaign Co (Image 1)
❓What is PulsePoint?
* PulsePoint is an app created to inform CPR-trained citizens that CPR is needed in a PUBLIC space. It will notify you when you’re within a certain radius of that location, and give you directions as well as where your closest AED is.(Image 2)
* PulsePoint is there to alert the community of events like structure fires, or accidents, etc. so the community knows to avoid the area.
❓What do the calls mean?
🚑 Medical Emergency- a generic unspecified medical emergency that doesn’t disclose information to violate HIPAA Laws
🔥Structure Fire- a fire reported in a building or home (we make this anytime there is the suspicion of a fire even if there are no flames or smoke present like an electrical issue)
🚨 Alarm- unspecified alarm, could be a fire, smoke, Carbon Monoxide, Trouble, or water flow alarm.
☣️Hazardous Conditions- Situation involving chemicals, or gas leak
🛠️ Public Service- a “catch all” call type that could be numerous situations from a lift assistance to an accident.
⚡️Wires Down- response to down utility line.
These are just a few types of PulsePoint calls you could see, each areas call types do vary (image 3).
❓Why is PulsePoint important?
* Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is one of the leading causes of death in the United States.
* Roughly 1 person every 90 seconds dies from SCA every day.
* 90% of people who suffer sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting do not survive. Bystander CPR saves lives! The quicker someone can start chest compression the better the outcome the patient has.
PulsePoint is more than just an incident viewer, it’s a tool designed to connect our community to emergency response and lifesaving resources. While not every emergency can be prevented, early CPR,quick AED access, and community awareness can make a critical difference before responders can get there!
We encourage everyone to sign up for CPR classes. You never know when you could save your family member, friend, coworker, or neighbor!
- Your 911 Dispatchers 💛