New app could save lives across the South
A new app working with the South Central Ambulance Service aims to dramatically cut cardiac arrests response times
A ground-breaking new partnership between South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS), the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service (IWAS), and the GoodSAM Responder app is set to dramatically cut emergency response times for cardiac arrest victims across the region.
The initiative allows verified medical volunteers to be instantly alerted via the GoodSAM app when someone suffers a cardiac arrest within 500 metres of their location.
Using smartphone GPS technology, the app connects trained responders to incidents even before ambulance crews arrive, giving patients a better chance of survival.
GoodSAM—short for “Good Smartphone Activated Medics”—is already making waves in emergency response innovation. The app empowers certified healthcare professionals and clinically trained individuals to start life-saving CPR in the critical minutes following a 999 call.
"Every minute without CPR reduces a person’s chance of survival by up to 10%," explained David Hamer, Operations Manager for SCAS.
"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."
Currently in its first phase, the service is live across both SCAS and IWAS areas, with future plans to expand access to trained public volunteers from this autumn.
Louise Walker, Head of Education and Community Response for the Isle of Wight NHS Ambulance Service, emphasized the importance of community involvement: “Every second counts when a person is having a cardiac arrest, so the ability to activate volunteer trained responders in our local community will help save many more lives across the Island.”
The project has received partial funding from the South Central Ambulance Charity, which supports SCAS in delivering enhanced emergency care.
Together, the partnership is combining cutting-edge mobile technology, community training, and frontline experience to build a faster, stronger emergency response network.