Cutting Edge 9-1-1 App That Empowers Citizens to Save Lives
Green Bay Metro Fire Department and Emplify Health by Bellin on Thursday announced the local launch of PulsePoint, a free 9-1-1 integrated app that:
1) Alerts CPR-trained citizens to nearby cardiac arrests in real time.
2) Helps build a verified Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Registry
3) Informs the community of emergency activities in real-time
PulsePoint puts the power to save lives in people’s hands. It empowers CPR-trained citizens to save lives by alerting them instantly to nearby sudden cardiac arrests. The app guides the user to the victim and closest AED, enabling fast, life-saving action alongside emergency responders.
The companion app, PulsePoint AED, encourages users to report and update AED locations, building a verified registry that helps responders and citizens find lifesaving devices fast. The free app is available for download via the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Early bystander CPR and swift defibrillation with an AED are proven to significantly increase survival chances for sudden cardiac arrest victims.
“PulsePoint transforms everyday citizens into lifesavers by delivering real-time alerts and guiding them to cardiac arrest victims and nearby AEDs. This technology empowers our community to act fast, dramatically improving survival chances while our firefighters are en route,” said Chief Matthew Knott, Green Bay Metro Fire Department.
The department handles over 18,000 incidents yearly, including 216 cardiac arrests in 2024.
During a Thursday news conference announcing the launch of PulsePoint, area resident and Emplify Health by Bellin Licensed Athletic Trainer Mark Husen shared his wife’s story of survival thanks to a nearby AED.
“July 1, 2011 was a day that changed our lives forever,” Husen said. “My wife Ann, who is still here today, was saved as a direct result of having easy access to Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) and trained individuals who knew CPR.”
Emplify Health by Bellin Chief Operating Officer Sharla Baenen also addressed media during the news conference, sharing why the health system chose to be a major funding partner for PulsePoint.
“Emplify Health is proud to help bring PulsePoint to our community,” Baenen said. “In cardiac emergencies, every second counts — early CPR and quick access to an AED can mean the difference between life and death before patients reach the emergency room. By empowering residents with these tools, we’re helping save lives and build a stronger, healthier community.”
Business owners and community members are encouraged to register an AED with PulsePoint AED App or online at aed.new to help build a safer, stronger community where everyone has the tools to act fast and save lives.
Why register your AED?
· Increase the chances of survival for cardiac arrest victims
· Support emergency responders and community lifesavers
· Join a community-wide effort to build a safer environment for all
About Emplify Health by Bellin
Formed in December 2022, Emplify Health is a not-for-profit, patient-centered, community-focused healthcare network with headquarters in Green Bay and La Crosse, Wisconsin. Emplify Health has nearly 15,000 employees, including more than 1,000 clinicians, in 11 hospitals and more than 100 clinic locations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Upper Michigan, and Iowa. With community partners, Emplify Health strives to lead local, regional and national healthcare transformation to enrich individuals for their healthiest lives at every stage. Learn more at emplifyhealth.org.
About PulsePoint Foundation
PulsePoint is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that creates apps for public safety agencies to boost community response during emergencies. The PulsePoint Respond app alerts trained citizens to nearby CPR needs, while the PulsePoint AED registry maps AED locations for public and 9-1-1 use. Free downloads available on the App Store and Google Play. Learn more at pulsepoint.org.
About Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)
SCA is a sudden heart malfunction causing the heart to stop beating. Over 326,000 out-of-hospital SCAs occur annually in the U.S., with survival under 8%. Immediate bystander CPR, given in only one-third of cases, can double or triple survival by maintaining blood flow until EMS arrives—typically in nine minutes. Without CPR, brain damage or death can occur within minutes.








