Mobile app to support people who have witnessed a cardiac arrest launched in Herts
First of its kind UK app to help ‘forgotten patients’ who see cardiac arrests
A new app has been launched that will support people across Essex, Norfolk and Hertfordshire who have seen someone suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).
Witnessing an OHCA can cause huge emotional distress and the app is designed to help family, friends, or even strangers who have had such an experience.
The RescQ app, which is the first of its kind nationally and internationally, not only provides immediate and free access to support but also gathers valuable insights into the magnitude of the problem.
There are 3,500 OHCA cases across Essex every year, but it’s not clear how many people – often known as ‘forgotten patients’ – may need help after seeing such an event.
This app, funded for a one-year pilot, hopes to find the number of people who need such support.
It has been up and running for one week and already had 18 OHCAs reported, logged 22 bystanders, and offered them support through a website link.
If successful, the RescQ app will be rolled out across other areas such as Hertfordshire and Norfolk after six months.
Dr Uzma Sajjad is the project lead, and cardiology research fellow at the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre (CTC).
She tells Greatest Hits Radio "thousands" of East of England ambulances have downloaded the app.
"After an OHCA, they can use the app to log the details of the bystanders.
"This will then send them a link to a dedicated website with available support and resources, helping those who see cardiac arrests process their experience and find the reassurance and support they need.”
The website contains videos providing advice and guidance on coping strategies, including real-life experiences, and insights from psychologists and medical professionals.
Website-users can also request contact with a trained patient liaison officer, who will be able to offer them further support.
The app will be used by EEAST land crews to document incident details, including the number of OHCA witnesses present and their relationship to the patient.
Dr Sajjad said they'll analyse the app's data and use the insights to "continually refine and enhance the support available for those who witness such challenging events.”
Justine Di Fede, Sector Clinical Lead at EEAST, said:
“Being able to offer this level of support to the people who are often forgotten about, yet can play a huge part in the patient’s chain of survival, is so important and we urge everyone approached to take advantage of this fantastic resource.”
The project, which cost £75,000, is funded by a grant that CTC won from the NHS East of England Cardiac Network and will run until early 2026, with potential for extension.