Community members urged to join potentially lifesaving program

SINCE 2023 a free mobile phone app has been revolutionising how the NSW community can provide potentially lifesaving assistance when someone goes into cardiac arrest.

The GoodSAM app allows individuals to register their willingness to help provide simple chest compressions by listing their details, location and any clinical or first aid training they may have.

When a Triple Zero (000) call is made, the app automatically notifies up to three nearby GoodSAM responders, providing them with the patient’s location and directions to the nearest Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

While first aid knowledge is helpful it is not essential as an emergency operator will remain on the line providing CPR instructions until paramedics are on scene.

Since rolling out the app across the state, a total of 94 people have left hospital after receiving CPR from a GoodSAM responder, with 33 of those receiving an AED shock.

Each minute without CPR reduces the chance of survival by seven to ten percent, so this early intervention is crucial.

A member of the GoodSAM team follows up with all responders for a debrief after attending an event, with everyone registered on the app protected by the Civil Liability Act 2002 [NSW].

A spokesperson for the NSW GoodSAM team told News Of The Area, “The great thing about this app is that anyone over the age of 18 who is willing and able can respond to a cardiac arrest in those critical first few minutes.

“Ideally, we would like to get 50,000 responders signed up to the app across NSW.

“Currently we have approximately 11,000.”

For businesses that choose to install a publicly accessible AED, details and a clear photo can be uploaded to the app, allowing users to check the map and see the location of their closest unit with more than 5,000 currently listed.

For more information or to register as a responder, visit ambulance.nsw.gov.au/goodsam.

By Rachael THORPE