CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A cardiac arrest survivor is encouraging people to download an app that could help save lives. It alerts you when someone nearby needs CPR.
When someone is in cardiac arrest, the first few minutes before first responders arrive are crucial. The more people who know how to give CPR and who have the Pulse Point app, the greater chances a person has at surviving.
Johnnie Davis says he is lucky to be alive.
"My heart actually stopped for 16 minutes so my life today is a miracle," Davis said.
He owes his life in large part to his wife. She called 911 and was given instructions on how to start CPR before first responders got there.
"Had CPR not been done on me, I wouldn't be here today," Davis said.
Now he's encouraging other people not only to learn CPR but also to download Pulse Point, an app that alerts users when someone nearby is in cardiac arrest.
"The more people that are aware, the more people that can respond to help," said Gabby Purick, a program administrator with Medic. "We never want that loved one being the only person responding if they don't have to be."
The app puts the power of first responders in all of our pockets, allowing anyone to step in and save a life.
"You have to look beyond the fear of not saving someone or being on the hook to save someone's life, everyone should know how to do it," Davis said.
With this at his fingertips, Davis can now pay it forward.
Some people may worry that downloading the app will flood their phones with notifications. Medic officials say that's not the case. There won't be a lot of notifications -- but the alerts that are sent can be life-changing.