AI that detects cardiac arrests during emergency calls will be tested across Europe this summer

A startup that uses artificial intelligence to help emergency dispatchers identify signs of cardiac arrest over the phone will begin testing its software across Europe this summer. Danish firm Corti says its algorithms can recognize out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (those that occur in the home or public) more quickly and accurately than humans. The software has already been deployed in Copenhagen, but this year, it will start four new pilots in as-yet-unnamed European cities in partnership with the European Emergency Number Association (EENA). Quick recognition of cardiac arrests is vital, as every minute that passes without treatment reduces an individual's chances of survival by 7 to 10 percent. Corti's software works by listening in during emergency calls and looking out for a number of "verbal and non-verbal patterns of communication." These include cues like a caller's tone of voice and whether or not the subject is breathing.