As an early childhood educator, it is required that I have current First Aid certification.
Every 3 years I do a full First Aid course and every twelve months a CPR refresher. As a qualified First Aider I’m also signed up (voluntary) with the GoodSAM app as a responder. This is a free global smartphone app that alerts responders such as me, to someone nearby in cardiac arrest. GoodSAM is linked to the Triple Zero (000) communications centre, so as soon as an ambulance is dispatched, a GoodSAM alert will notify nearby respondents.
Responders are able to provide CPR and make use of the nearest AED (Automated External Defibrillator), giving the patient a greater chance of survival. The majority of heart attacks occur in patients aged 65 and older with approximately 155 occurring every day Australia wide. In Victoria, 20 people a day suffer a cardiac arrest with only 1 in 10 surviving. However, if CPR and an AED are administered, the survival rate increases to 70%.
With Central Goldfields’ aging population, it was a bit of a no brainer for me to sign up as a first responder. Anyone can sign up to become a GoodSAM responder as long as you are over 18 and you own a smartphone.
Looking at the app, it is nice to see quite a few scattered around the shire with most in Maryborough. If a neighbour’s heart stopped beating, GoodSAM responders can (hopefully) get it going again by giving lifesaving CPR during the critical few minutes until medical help arrives.
Any CPR is better than no CPR, so if you have first aid, please consider signing to be a GoodSAM like me.
Cr Liesbeth Long
