Jersey City officials are launching a community response system that will use technology to provide immediate help for people suffering medical emergencies.
The program, which city officials say will be the first of its kind in the United States, is modeled after the United Hatzalah program in Israel.
Mayor Steven Fulop says the city initially will target 100 volunteers to launch the Community Based Emergency Care program. The volunteers will complete a course on basic emergency response provided by Jersey City Medical Center-Barnabas Health Barnabas, and they will be outfitted with emergency response equipment.
The volunteers will have a smartphone app linked into the city's 911 system, allowing them to be immediately dispatched to nearby emergencies. They will provide vital care while ambulances and paramedics are on their way.
The program will be funded through private donations.
Jersey City Launching New Emergency Response Technology
Copyright AP - Associated Press
