The new app that connects CPR trained people with emergencies
Wouldn’t it be great if trained professionals could get to emergencies much faster than they do right now? If you wouldn’t have to worry about ambulance delays or getting the first aid procedure right on your own? It would be simply revolutionary. And the best part is, there is already an app with those exact features, and it is soon going to be launched in New South Wales.
In the upcoming months, the Good Smartphone Activated Medics app, or GoodSAM, will be made available in NSW. This rollout was made possible through a A$2.5 million partnership with NSW Ambulance. However, this would not be the first time the app has ever been used. The GoodSAM app has been used in Victoria since 2018 and the UK since 2013.
The state’s ambulance service has high hopes that the new app will increase the survival rates of people in cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest and other heart-related emergencies are among the most sensitive health emergencies. Their procedures require certain skills, and even equipment to execute properly.
Although this is not to say that your prized first aid kit and valuable Saint John’s Ambulance training are for nothing. First aid kits and any kind of training, such as even knowing what DRSABCD (Danger, Response, Send, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation) means, will always be necessary.
For example, poisonous spider bites always need skilled care. However, cardiac emergencies usually require a little more skill, and it's best not to leave anything to chance.
What is the importance of defibrillators and CPR in saving lives?
Quick access to defibrillators and CPR is important in saving lives. But why CPR and defibrillators in particular? Here's what they do.
How do defibrillators work?
A defibrillator sends an electric pulse or shock to the heart when a person goes into cardiac arrest, usually indicated by no pulse and no breathing. At this stage, the defibrillator becomes extremely crucial to the survival of the person because no other procedure can revive the heart or restore its normal rhythm.
It is also used to prevent or treat irregular heartbeats. An irregular heartbeat, generally called arrhythmia, could be too slow or too quick.
The most common versions of this device are AEDs or automated external defibrillators.
How does CPR work?
CPR simulates the heart's pumping action through the force created by chest compressions. When combined with breaths being forced down the patient's windpipe, CPR can restart a stopped heart.
Although this first aid device and procedure are both important life-saving, they are rather technical. You need to be a trained person for them to be effective and not cause even more harm. For example, doing chest compressions poorly can cause rib fractures.
In the case of CPR, an untrained person is advised to only perform compressions without additional breaths. Sometimes, that may not be enough.
If you would want to learn how to do CPR, you can sign up for first aid training, and purchase a CPR manikin to practice at home.
What will this app mean to healthcare?
Certain medical emergencies need trained medical professionals, or at least trained people, to effectively help. They also often need specialised equipment. People can purchase the equipment, but not everyone is skilled enough to use them.
That's why the GoodSAM app is a fantastic idea; it easily connects CPR-trained people with emergencies near them. Yes, we can still call 000 or the nearest hospital, but wouldn't it be great if there was someone right next door who could help?
The GoodSAM app will also help reduce human error and eliminate time constraints in the most critical moments of a cardiac emergency. You will easily get someone who is sure how to do CPR and in turn also be sure about the lives you are saving.
Getting the best out of the GoodSAM app
Each case is different, and you can never be too prudent when it comes to healthcare. So, consult with your GP before settling for any medical equipment or products. Always contact your nearest hospital first before using the GoodSAM app as well.
However, when you're in an emergency and you need to act fast, do not hesitate to use this app to help you save lives.
If you want to be more prepared for emergencies and you're looking for high-quality defibrillators, first aid kits, or other health supplies or devices, check out MediBC.
CPR & AED Training Essentials
Pocket CPR shields, training manikins, and AEDs for first aiders ready to respond to a CPR call.
