- Published:
- Thursday 4 July 2019
A revolutionary smartphone app that is making a big difference saving lives when a cardiac arrest occurs is being expanded.
Acting Premier Lisa Neville and Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos joined Ambulance Victoria paramedics today to announce the expansion of the cutting-edge GoodSAM app, which helps nationally accredited and trained good samaritans get to the scene of a medical emergency and step in and help.
GoodSAM is already being used by more than 5,000 paramedics, emergency service personnel and medical professionals. In one year, the technology has helped revive nearly 20 people who have suffered a cardiac arrest.
The closest ambulance is always dispatched immediately when a cardiac arrest emergency call is made to Triple Zero. At the same time, three of the nearest GoodSAM responders also receive a ping on their phone to alert them of the emergency, so they can step in and help while an ambulance is on its way.
The app also connects GoodSAM responders to the nearest public defibrillators.
Thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s reforms and record investments, ambulances are now arriving at the scene of Code One emergencies faster than ever before.
The latest response times data shows that more Victorians than ever before are getting the world-class care that they need, with 84.2 per cent of ambulances arriving within the benchmark time of 15 minutes – up from 83 per cent for the same period 12 months prior.
The Victorian Budget 2019/20 includes $299.6 million for more paramedics, more cutting-edge vehicles and more ambulance stations.
Quotes attributable to Acting Premier Lisa Neville
“Even though paramedics are arriving at cardiac arrest emergencies faster than ever before, we still need first responders to step in when they can in the critical minutes before an ambulance arrives.”
“Every second counts when it comes to cardiac arrest. This revolutionary technology means good samaritans can get to the scene of a cardiac arrest sooner – and that means lives saved and tragedies avoided.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Ambulance Services Jenny Mikakos
“More Victorians than ever before are surviving a cardiac arrest, thanks to faster response times and everyday Victorians who rush to the aid of their fellow citizens.”
“Saving lives is a team effort. We will soon have a growing army of first-aid qualified responders across Victoria who can step in and help save a life.”