Call for CPR-Trained Individuals to Join GoodSAM Responder App

A member of staff at Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is urging people trained in CPR to download a life-saving app after she helped resuscitate a member of the public while off duty.

Alert Leads to Emergency Response

Kate Hawkins, the Trust’s Acute Deterioration and Resuscitation Lead, had downloaded the GoodSAM Responder app last year after being made aware of it by South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

While on a day off, Kate received an alert through the app about a nearby cardiac arrest. She arrived within minutes and began performing CPR, using a public access defibrillator at the scene.

Kate remained there for 15 minutes before an ambulance arrived, continuing to assist alongside the ambulance crew until the Air Ambulance reached the scene.

This was the second time she had responded to an incident using the app.

“Critical in Influencing Survival Rates”

Kate is now encouraging other trained individuals to sign up, highlighting how vital early intervention can be.

She said:

“Early access to CPR and public access defibrillators is critical in influencing survival rates in out of hospital cardiac arrests. The GoodSAM app helps to strengthen the chain of survival by bridging the gap between collapse and the ambulance arriving.

“When a cardiac arrest occurs survival rates drop by 12 to 14% with every minute that an AED is not available. I would urge all staff trained in CPR to download it and to volunteer as a responder.”

How the GoodSAM App Works

When a cardiac arrest is reported to the 999 ambulance control room, registered GoodSAM responders within 500 metres are notified and asked if they can assist.

If they accept the alert, responders can begin CPR and use an automated external defibrillator if available, helping to support the patient in the critical moments before emergency services arrive.

High Rates of Cardiac Arrests at Home

According to the Resuscitation Council UK, around 80% of cardiac arrests happen in the home. Bystander CPR rates in the south west are also high, at around 80%.

Outcomes can often be improved when trained responders are alerted quickly and able to act before ambulance crews reach the scene.

Who Can Register

There are several ways to become a GoodSAM responder.

Those with a valid Basic Life Support qualification can register, including nurses, doctors, paramedics, Emergency Care Assistants, Emergency Ambulance Associates, Community First Responders, volunteer doctors, and trained members of the public.

People without a qualification can complete the Resus Council Lifesaver Course online for free via the Resuscitation Council website.

NHS staff can download the app and sign in using an nhs.net email address.

Others can register directly through the GoodSAM website.