PFA offers monthly, free CPR, AED, and Stop-the-Bleed courses at your local fire stations. 

Learn more about the non-certifying courses and register here. 

American Heart Association data show more than 350,000 EMS-assessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the U.S. PFA, in collaboration with several partner agencies, launched the free PulsePoint smartphone app in our community in 2015.  Now, a decade later, these partnerships, community involvement, first responder training, and alignment of resources, has resulted in our community leading the nation in the number of people that suffer a cardiac arrest and make a full recovery.

Their actions in those precious first minutes made all the difference.

What Are the Reasons People DO NOT Do CPR and Truth Behind Them

 

Of those arrests in which the patient recovers, one of the most common factors is someone witnessed the arrest, and a bystander provided chest compressions in the first couple of minutes before first responders arrived. First responders are fast, but they will never be as fast as someone who is already there. 

“That means, no one, not even us, can have as big of an impact as you when a friend or family member suffers an arrest,” said PFA Public Information Officer Annie Bierbower.

Only about 40 percent of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest receive the immediate help they need before professionals arrive.

Emergencies can be scary and overwhelming experiences, but helping doesn't have to be. In an effort to get more people to do CPR, we had to understand why many people don't. Here are the leading reasons (according to the American Heart Association) why people do not perform CPR and the truth behind each that will hopefully encourage you to start a heart if you are needed. 

1. People are afraid they will do it wrong.

Don't be afraid of doing CPR wrong!  Chest compressions are almost impossible to do incorrectly. Studies show that even untrained bystanders can perform chest compressions effectively.  Just place your hands on the center of the chest and press quickly and firmly.

 

Immediate CPR, in those first minutes before professionals arrive, can double or triple the chances of survival after cardiac arrest.

2. People are afraid of hurting someone during CPR.

It is true that the aftermath of CPR can be painful. Bruising or breaking of sternums and ribs is possible but that is much better than dying. A moan, groan, or any similar response from the patient during CPR is actually a good sign. Giving someone the chance to recover is just that, giving someone a chance, and that is what they need.

3. People are afraid of legal retaliation.

Colorado’s Good Samaritan Law protects those who render first aid.  It states that people rendering emergency assistance in good faith are exempt from civil liability. 

Read more details about Colorado Revised Statute 13-21-108. Persons rendering emergency assistance exempt from the civil liability here: Colorado Legal Resources | Statutes Document Page

The Lifesaving App PulsePoint

This life-saving app alerts users when CPR is needed within a quarter of a mile of their current geographic location. Why? With sudden-cardiac events, such as a heart attack, every second counts. About 90 percent of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die. However, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.

Hands-only CPR has been shown to be as effective as conventional CPR for cardiac arrest at home, at work or in public. It has two easy steps. 

Step 1 – Call 911 if you see a teen or adult collapse.

Step 2 – Push hard and fast in the center of their chest to the beat of a familiar song that has 100 to 120 beats per minute, such as “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees or “Crazy in Love” by Beyonce featuring J-Z.

Help Us Reach Our Goal

There are currently around 6,000 registered users in PFA's jurisdiction. Help us grow that number to 7,000 in 2025. Download the app at the link below. Be sure to check that "critical alerts" on set to on under the notifications section in the app. this is what allows you to be notified when "nearby CPR" is needed. 

Download the Pulse Point App Here  

Start a Heart Fort Collins - Helpful Information and Video Demonstrations

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