Medical emergency alert app could help save lives

A system that alerts trained volunteers to medical emergencies nearby is being introduced by an ambulance service.

South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) is using the Good Smartphone Activated Medics app - known as GoodSAM - which uses mobile GPS technology to message volunteers within 500m of an incident.

It is hoped the responders could then begin CPR before an ambulance arrives.

David Harmer, operations manager of SCAS, said it could "dramatically increase the chances of a positive outcome" for cardiac arrest patients.

The early delivery of CPR and defibrillation is critical in improving survival rates from cardiac arrest.

Every minute without intervention reduces the chance of survival by up to 10%, SCAS said.

The first phase of GoodSAM has been introduced in the SCAS area - Hampshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire - as well as Isle of Wight Ambulance Service area.

Certified healthcare professionals and clinically trained individuals are able to register.

The aim is to then open it up to trained public volunteers from the autumn.

The registration process includes verification of credentials and training to ensure all responders meet the required standards.

David Hamer, operations manager for SCAS, said: "By enabling trained responders to reach patients faster, we can dramatically increase the chances of a positive outcome.

"This is about saving lives, and we are proud to be part of this initiative."

This project has been partly funded by South Central Ambulance Charity, which supports SCAS in enhancing emergency care.

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