I am thrilled to report that Missouri State University, along with other community partners, have rolled out the PulsePoint app to notify individuals trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of a nearby cardiac arrest. The app provides exact directions to the location of the emergency as well as to the location of the nearest automated external defibrillator (AED). The app has been successfully used across the country to save lives of those in sudden cardiac arrest. I encourage every student, staff and faculty member to get training in CPR and download this app. Use your Apple or Andriod phone’s app store and search for PulsePoint Respond.

During my career as a firefighter, I regularly performed CPR on individuals of all ages, including a student on our campus. I have experienced the joy of getting to visit with someone who once lacked a heartbeat, but because I performed CPR, they were able to return to a normal life. I have also experienced the sorrow of those where help came too late. This is why I am passionate about every individual being trained in CPR and knowing how to use an AED.

Get Trained

CPR is so simple you can learn CPR through online videos within minutes. Here is a three minute video produced by the Springfield Fire Department.

You can also take short one-hour CPR training courses through the fire department. Here is the current schedule:

• Saturday, October 6, 9-10 a.m. at Fire Station 12, 2455 S. Blackman Rd.
• Monday, October 15, 2-3 p.m. at Fire Station 1, 720 E. Grand St.*
• Thursday, October 18, 6-7 p.m. at Fire Station 8, 1405 S. Scenic Ave.
• Saturday, October 27, 11 a.m. to noon at Fire Station 5, 2750 W. Kearney St.

*Directly across from Bear Park South

To register online, visit springfieldmolifesave.org or contact the fire department at 417-874-2300.

If you really want to get certified in both CPR and AEDs, consider taking an American Red Cross course through the Foster Recreation Center. They regularly offer four-hour certification courses.

AEDs on Campus

Did you know that MSU currently has over 40 AEDs on campus with more in the process of being installed? They are located in many buildings on campus. For many years, the Office of Safety and Transportation has maintained a list of the AED locations on campus. Witht his new app, you can have the location of the nearest AED pop up on your phone automatically when an emergency occurs.

Still not convinced?

Here are some facts:

• Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) kills nearly 1,000 people per day in the U.S.
• Nearly 60% of those in SCA do not get CPR until professional help arrives.
• For every minute that passes, SCA survival rates go down by 7-10%

For more information on getting CPR training or about PulsePoint, feel free to contact me at dhall@missouristate.edu or call 417-8366-8444. Whose life will you save today?