Otway Health signs up to GoodSAM

October 3, 2018 BY James Taylor

A sample image of the GoodSAM app in action.

A NEW smartphone app that uses GPS technology to alert emergency services and nearby medically trained professionals to an emergency situation has been launched in Apollo Bay though Ambulance Victoria, and Otway Health has signed on to take part.

The GoodSAM app is simultaneously triggered when a triple zero (000) call is made, as are emergency services if the app itself is used to trigger an emergency by an “Alerter” – an individual or witness who has the app and needs help quickly.

When emergency services are alerted of a situation, so too are nearby “Responders” – registered medically trained professionals within the emergency area that can arrive on the scene immediately and offer first aid before emergency services arrive.

The app is designed to work interactively and assist emergency services and Responders by including as much information as possible about an emergency via features such as livestream video, messaging, life detection and defibrillation information.

Ambulance Victoria team leader in Apollo Bay Tony Mandic said the GoodSAM app provided an opportunity for members of the community trained in first aid to support emergency services and offer lifesaving intervention in critical time.

Otway Health has pledged to support Ambulance Victoria through the use of GoodSAM, with its clinical staff registering as Responders.

Otway Health nurse practitioner Brad Pickering strongly believes in GoodSAM and feels hopeful that its use can increase the survival rates of those involved in emergency situations.

“GoodSAM is an initiative that is improving patient survival rates and can make a significant difference to patient outcomes in situations like cardiac arrest,” he said.

Ambulance Victoria welcomed the pledge.

“It’s another way that Ambulance Victoria and Otway Health can partner with each other and work together in collaboration to address the health and safety needs of the Apollo Bay community,” Mr Mandic said.

The GoodSAM app is now available through the App Store or Google Play.