City officials’ hearts are all aflutter over a potentially life-saving iPhone app.

City Attorney Dennis Herrera and San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White got together this week to promote the SF Fire App Initiative, which they hope will encourage a citywide effort to reduce heart attack deaths.

Earlier this year San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District Chief Richard Price launched an iPhone application that links to a dispatch system to CPR-trained volunteers who are close to someone having a heart attack. The app also pinpoints the nearest automatic external defibrillator.

The idea is to get the closest available help to a person in need because statistics show that having someone trained in CPR immediately available is the best way to survive a sudden heart attack.

The City has a website for those interested in volunteering for the effort, as well as information for people who want to train to give CPR.

bbegin@sfexaminer.com