NSW Ambulance is celebrating a major milestone, with 100 lives saved through its GoodSAM program, thanks to community members stepping in to help when someone nearby suffers a cardiac arrest.
The GoodSAM app works by alerting registered volunteers when a suspected cardiac arrest is reported to Triple Zero (000). Responders can choose whether to accept the alert and provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), while an ambulance is dispatched at the same time.
One of the 100 patients saved is Alan Thomas, who suffered a cardiac arrest while driving to his local shops to buy ingredients for a Sunday lamb roast.
When Alan's car came to a stop, the driver behind him realised something was wrong and called Triple Zero (000). As well as immediately deploying paramedics, that call activated the NSW Ambulance GoodSAM program, alerting registered responders in the area that urgent help was needed.
Just across the road, off‑duty NSW Ambulance flight nurse Adam Waddington received the GoodSAM alert on his phone and responded immediately.
Adam joined members of the public who had already stopped to help. He immediately began CPR, providing critical care until paramedics arrived.
Alan was transported to hospital where he made a remarkable recovery and has since returned home to his family.
NSW Ambulance is continuing to encourage more people to sign up to the free program, as increasing the number of registered responders can improve the chance of survival for cardiac arrest patients in those critical first few minutes before paramedics arrive.
You don't need formal first aid or CPR training to become a GoodSAM responder. Chest compressions are easy to do, and highly trained NSW Ambulance emergency medical call takers will talk you through it by phone. Anyone aged 18 years or over who is willing to perform chest compressions can register.
To find out more, or sign up to join the 13,500 community members already part of GoodSAM in NSW, visit ambulance.nsw.gov.au/goodsam
The Minns Labor Government's commitment to initiatives like GoodSAM is part of a long-term investment in NSW Ambulance, that includes:
- The recruitment of 2,500 additional NSW Ambulance staff.
- Delivering 500 paramedics to rural and regional areas.
- Abolishing the wages cap and delivering the largest wage increase to healthcare workers in a decade.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"Reaching 100 lives saved is an incredible milestone for GoodSAM and Alan's story is a powerful testament to the lifesaving impact of early chest compressions in a cardiac arrest.
"We know that every minute counts during an emergency, when more people sign up to GoodSAM, we increase the chance that someone nearby can step in quickly and help save a life while paramedics are on the way."
Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive Clare Beech:
"When someone suffers a cardiac arrest outside of hospital, those first few minutes are critical, and early CPR can significantly improve their chance of survival.
"The GoodSAM program connects willing community members with people who urgently need immediate help while paramedics arrive.
"Reaching 100 lives saved is a testament to the generosity and courage of GoodSAM responders, and we encourage more people to sign up so even more lives can be saved."
Quotes attributable to Alan Thomas:
"Thanks to a group of people, who I didn't know, I've been given my life back and I'll now be there to walk my daughter down the aisle.
"GoodSAM absolutely saved my life, and I hope my story encourages more people to sign up so they can help someone else."
Quotes attributable to Adam Waddington:
"I just happened to be nearby when the GoodSAM alert came through, and because someone had called Triple Zero (000), I was able to respond and help straight away.
"This outcome wasn't about one person, it was about a group of strangers stepping in to help, the GoodSAM system working as it should, and paramedics arriving quickly to provide emergency medical care for Alan."
