Ambulance Victoria hoping to mend broken hearts

GoodSAM Responders receive an alert on their smartphone when someone close by suffers a cardiac arrest along with the nearest available Automated External Defibrillator, so they can start CPR immediately and support the person until an ambulance arrives.

Ambulance Victoria seized on Valentine’s Day to promote a mobile phone app they say could save the life your nearest and dearest.

Area manager Amelia Kohn said the GoodSAM app would save lives of those who are suffering cardiac arrest and could save the life of someone you love.

“Every day 18 Victorian hearts stop beating and urgently need care to get them going again.”

She said GoodSAM Responders receive an alert on their smartphone when someone close by suffers a cardiac arrest along with the nearest available Automated External Defibrillator, so they can start CPR immediately and support the person until an ambulance arrives.

Point Lonsdale resident Paul Hicks is among 12,500 Victorians registered as a GoodSAM Responder.

“It gives people a second chance, I am big believer that life is about give and take.” Mr Hicks said. “One day I might require the assistance of a GoodSAM responder therefore I think it’s fair I put my hand up now and help others.”

Mr Hicks has responded to four emergencies through the app, one of which was a false alarm.

“It’s similar to organ donation, you can’t expect to receive anything if you’re not prepared to give it out yourself.

“Anybody can do it, anyone who is willing to give hands-on CPR a go. You get the chance of giving someone that second chance.”

When a heart stops beating, the chance of survival drops by 10 percent for every minute without help.

According to Ambulance Victoria, if you can keep someone’s heart pumping in those vital first minutes, you’ll more than double the person’s chance of survival.

The GoodSAM app is available in Victoria and is integrated with Triple Zero (000) to quickly connect patients with help in the first few minutes after a cardiac arrest. If you are unable to accept, you can decline and it will be sent to the next closest responder.

Ms Kohn said many Victorians weren’t aware they no longer have to do mouth-mouth resuscitation or know CPR to be restart a heart. “Just like the latest dating apps, CPR has come a long way and it’s easier to do now than ever before. All you have to do is be willing and able to help a neighbour in need with hands-only CPR.”

Ambulance Victoria wants to recruit an extra 5,000 GoodSAMs across the state.

Download the GoodSAM app for free via Google Play or the Apple App Store.