Thomas Hospitals, Putnam County EMS Unveil App to Strengthen Community Emergency Response

The photo above shows representatives from Thomas Hospitals and Putnam County EMS at the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office following the official launch of the PulsePoint app.
 

WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals joined Putnam County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) last Wednesday (Feb. 11) to unveil PulsePoint, a 911-connected mobile app designed to notify users of emergencies occurring in their community, mobilize cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)-trained citizens to respond, and help them locate nearby automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

The event, held at the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, featured remarks from Scott Taylor, DO, medical director for the Department of Emergency Medicine at Thomas Memorial Hospital; Sean Ray, MD, assistant medical director for Department of Emergency Medicine at Thomas Memorial Hospital; and Kraig Barker, director of Putnam County EMS. Hospital leadership, EMS personnel, community partners, and two recent cardiac arrest survivors were also in attendance.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is extremely time-sensitive, and the first few minutes are critical. While AEDs are often visible in schools, businesses, and athletic facilities, locating one quickly during an emergency can be challenging. PulsePoint’s AED registry feature allows users to identify the nearest publicly accessible defibrillator, with detailed information about each device’s exact location and availability.

The app also alerts users when CPR is needed nearby and encourages trained individuals to assist until EMS arrives. By empowering bystanders to take action in the critical moments before first responders reach the scene, PulsePoint strengthens the chain of survival and increases the likelihood of positive outcomes.

Putnam County EMS is the first EMS agency in West Virginia to implement PulsePoint. The initiative was made possible through collaboration among community partners, including the Putnam County Commission, Putnam County EMS, and city leadership in Winfield and Hurricane. Thomas Hospitals provided partial funding for the initiative and supported its advancement under the leadership of Kraig and his team.

During the event, Thomas Hospitals donated AEDs to two local businesses – Gritt’s Farm and Quantum Sports Center – further enhancing community emergency preparedness. The hospitals also recognized and celebrated two recent cardiac arrest survivors, highlighting the lifesaving impact of rapid response and coordinated care.