HUNTINGDON, Tenn. — Carroll County AED registry entries now show up on 911 dispatchers’ maps, and the county’s 911 director is asking businesses, churches, schools, and residents to register their defibrillators.
The Carroll County Emergency Communication District added the capability to RapidSOS, which is software that dispatchers already use on every 911 call. Through it, they can check the NEAR Registry, a free, public listing of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) locations, and see nearby devices on the same map as the caller.
The district has used RapidSOS for many years and was part of its pilot program in Tennessee.
Studies show that survival rates drop by 10 percent for every minute that passes without defibrillation. Using an AED and CPR within the first three to five minutes can raise survival to as high as 60 to 70 percent.
“Knowing the location of an available AED device could be lifesaving,” said Kristy Meggs, director of Carroll County E911.
The tool has its limits, however.
It does not replace 911, change how calls are answered, or require anything from the caller.
Dispatchers see only devices that have been registered, so if none are listed nearby, the call proceeds as usual with CPR instructions and responders on the way.
A trained dispatcher decides whether sending someone for an AED will help.
That is why the district needs the public’s help.
The NEAR Registry is administered by the nonprofit PulsePoint Foundation, and anyone can add a device, including homeowners, businesses, schools, churches, gyms, and public agencies.
Registration is free and takes only a few minutes, and entries are reviewed by local public safety organizations.
AED owners can register at aedregistry.pulsepoint.org.
“If you or someone you know has an AED, please get it registered,” Meggs said. “It may be the life of your friend or family that this information helps to save.”
For help registering a device or for more information, call the Carroll County Emergency Communication District at 731-986-8911 or visit the office at 101 Dillahunty Lane in Huntingdon.