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North Platte Fire asks Lincoln County for help launching PulsePoint app; requests cost‑sharing pledge
Summary
Lieutenant Kobi Archuleta asked the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners to help launch the PulsePoint app, which alerts CPR‑trained bystanders and maps AEDs; he requested a county pledge toward a roughly $18,000 implementation and noted an $8,000 annual subscription.
Lieutenant Kobi Archuleta of the North Platte Fire Department asked Lincoln County commissioners on Oct. 6 to consider helping launch PulsePoint, a mobile app that alerts CPR‑trained bystanders to nearby public cardiac-arrest events and integrates a registry of automated external defibrillators.
Archuleta described PulsePoint as a “neighbors helping neighbors” tool that can notify trained members of the public and off-duty responders when CPR and an AED are needed in public places and that also provides a running call log for major incidents. He said the app can increase survival after sudden cardiac arrest when used correctly.
Why it matters: In rural and semi-rural communities, emergency response times can vary; getting hands-on CPR and locating an AED before professional responders arrive can materially affect survival and outcomes. Archuleta said PulsePoint’s features—call alerts, AED registry integration and in-app CPR guidance—are intended to increase bystander action and reduce bystander hesitation.
Cost and funding ask: Archuleta said PulsePoint’s implementation involves a 90–120 day project setup. He presented a vendor quote that totals $18,000 for initial implementation and associated work: a $10,000 fee for project setup and an $8,000 invoiced at launch; the ongoing annual subscription would be $8,000 per year. Archuleta said he is pursuing cost-sharing with local partners such as Great Plains Health and Mid Plains Community College and asked the commission for a financial pledge — ideally a one‑third share alongside other local partners if cost‑sharing is achieved.
Questions and follow-up: Commissioners pressed on response times and coverage. Archuleta said North Platte Fire’s ISO response goal is within five minutes of call receipt but noted that units can be unavailable when crews are committed to other calls; he argued PulsePoint helps “get the ball rolling” earlier than an engine company’s arrival. Archuleta said North Platte’s existing AED registry could integrate with PulsePoint and that PulsePoint staff provide implementation support and public‑outreach materials.
No county commitment: The board did not make a funding decision at the meeting. Commissioners said they welcomed a further update once Archuleta has secured additional commitments from hospitals, colleges or other entities and suggested that Archuleta return with a cost-share plan and details on whether the app would be configured for the city, for the county, or for a single lead agency.
Archuleta’s comment: “This app provides the opportunity for everybody to be that someone,” Lieutenant Kobi Archuleta said, summarizing his rationale for expanding early bystander response.
Ending: Archuleta will continue outreach to potential partners and return with a clearer cost‑sharing proposal and any firm commitments; commissioners encouraged him to include institutional partners in subsequent meetings to clarify budgetary and interlocal arrangements.
