The City of Decatur, Georgia is deploying the 'just-in-time training' Mobilize Rescue System and Mobilize Rescue App in response to the Department of Homeland Security's Stop the Bleed and Until Help Arrives initiatives. Fire Chief Toni Washington, who has been responsible for planning and managing the operations of the fire department in fire prevention, fire suppression, emergency management, and emergency medical services since 2009, is leading the initiative to empower Good Samaritans to save lives.
The Mobilize Rescue App provides 'just-in-time' training to help a bystander, with or without training, to walk through the steps necessary assess, manage, and monitor life-threatening medical emergencies like severe bleeding, cardiac arrest, opiate overdoses, allergic reactions and more. By installing the units next to AEDs at the Decatur Recreation Center and Ebster Gym, Chief Washington is providing one more way to involve civilians in their own preparedness and to strengthen overall community resilience.
Since studies have shown that the effectiveness of CPR/AED training decreases over time (92% of participants failed the hands-on skills exam one year after training), the interactive Mobilize Rescue app provides a valuable fail-safe for communities. The Mobilize Rescue System has been implemented by federal and law enforcement agencies, security and investigations agencies, K-12 schools and universities, public and private organizations, and has already been used to manage multiple medical emergencies across the country.