An innovative new app is taking the phrase ‘Good Samaritan’ to a whole new level!
Endorsed by the Resuscitation Council (UK), GoodSAM is a free global smartphone app that comprises an online community.
The community is filled with Good Samaritans who are volunteers, namely, medical professionals and even medically-trained civilians that handle cases of medical emergency, typically, cardiac arrest.
When someone experiences a traumatic episode that affects their heart or ability to breathe, it’s crucial that they receive CPR (chest compressions and rescue breaths) within the first three to four minutes.
However, distance can sometimes be a problem. That’s where the Good Samaritan app comes in handy!
Source: goodsamapp.org
The app works to assist those experiencing cardiac arrest or any other life-threatening emergency. For instance, the mobile application alerts a volunteer when someone who lives in proximity is experiencing a life-threatening episode. This enables the volunteer to assist the victim. Once alerted, an ambulance will also be dispatched to the specific area.
Since its launch, the app has over 40,000 registered trained volunteers and has responded to 8,000 alerts. In fact, the app recently made headlines in Australia after an incident. The incident involved an off-duty paramedic who received an alert to assist a 49 year old man who collapsed in his home at night.
GoodSAM made it possible for the volunteer to rush to the scene and help the man living near her home – “I didn’t even take the time to get out of my pajamas. I just threw on a hoodie and went down to his house.”
Her story is just one of the many amazing stories made possible by the app. According to Victorian Health Minister, Jenny Mikakos, the application has managed to save over 20 individuals since the beginning of the year.
It’s amazing that technology is being utilised for the greater good of society!
Watch the clip below to see how this app works.
Also read:
The smartphone app helping Victoria’s off-duty paramedics save lives
*Featured image sourced from goodsamapp.org
