Janesville, Wis. – The Janesville Fire Department publicly honored local resident Kristen Lindsey for stepping in during a cardiac emergency earlier this month. Lindsey received an alert from the department’s PulsePoint Respond mobile app, which connects CPR‑trained community members with nearby cardiac arrests.
Quick action saves a life
When the app signaled a cardiac event, Lindsey drove to the scene, located the victim inside a parked vehicle, and safely removed the individual. She then began chest compressions, maintaining circulation until emergency crews arrived. The fire department said her swift intervention was critical in keeping the victim alive.
PulsePoint Respond: A community‑focused tool
PulsePoint Respond is a free application that integrates directly with 911 dispatch systems. It notifies CPR‑trained volunteers of cardiac arrests occurring in public spaces, giving them a chance to act before professional responders can reach the scene. The Janesville Fire Department launched the app for the city earlier this year and this incident marks the first time a civilian arrived before first responders and performed CPR.
Why early CPR matters
Deputy Fire Chief Jamie Kessenich explained, “Early CPR is one of the strongest predictors of survival during cardiac arrest. Because this individual was alerted quickly and willing to act, a critical intervention began minutes sooner than it otherwise would have.” The department emphasizes that rapid CPR and prompt access to an automated external defibrillator (AED) are two of the most important factors in improving survival rates.
Community involvement saves lives
Fire Chief Ryan Murphy added, “This recent incident demonstrates that ordinary community members can make an extraordinary difference.” The department has responded to roughly 114 cardiac arrest events since adopting the technology, underscoring the growing impact of citizen responders.
How to get involved
Residents who are CPR‑trained are encouraged to download PulsePoint Respond, available for free on Apple and Android devices. The app also links to the NEAR Registry, a national database of trained volunteers, further expanding the pool of potential lifesavers.
Supporting families and faith communities
Local churches and family groups have praised the effort, noting that the ability to act quickly aligns with core values of caring for one’s neighbor and protecting families. By empowering individuals to help in emergencies, the program strengthens the social fabric of Janesville and reflects the community’s commitment to life‑preserving action.
For more information on how to become a PulsePoint responder, visit the Janesville Fire Department’s website or contact the department directly.
Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.
