Bridging the gap until the ambulance arrives

Bridging the gap until the ambulance arrives

Did you know that the survival of someone experiencing an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) depends significantly on a witness? And because sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time, the immediate actions of witnesses and community first responders are a vital link in the chain of survival.

The best-case scenario

In the best-case scenario, a sudden cardiac arrest is quickly recognised, i.e., the person is unconscious, unresponsive and not breathing or not breathing normally, and a witness takes immediate action by:

- Calling emergency medical services
- Beginning CPR
- Locating and applying an automated external defibrillator (AED)

These initial steps are critical, offering the person the best chance of survival.

Being prepared

Because up to 80% of OHCAs occur in the home, knowing how to do CPR and being prepared with a personal AED could help save the life of someone you love. Being prepared to respond to a sudden cardiac arrest in those first few critical minutes also extends beyond the home. Carrying a personal AED with you at all times can also help you to be prepared to act quickly and help someone in your community.

Bridging the Gap

Witnesses and trained community first responders play a key role in bridging the gap between the onset of a sudden cardiac arrest and the arrival of emergency medical services. Recognising a sudden cardiac arrest, performing CPR, and having the confidence to act quickly and use an AED, can help you do everything you can to keep the person alive until paramedics arrive.

Being Ready to Act

In those critical moments, being ready to act can be the difference between life and death. Organisations, like GoodSAM help save lives by empowering members of the community to respond quickly when someone nearby goes into cardiac arrest.

The GoodSAM Initiative

GoodSAM, a leading volunteer organisation, invites individuals aged 18 or older who are willing and able to perform CPR to sign up as volunteers. By registering as a GoodSAM volunteer, you become part of a network that receives alerts when someone nearby requires assistance during a suspected cardiac emergency.

How You Can Help

As a GoodSAM volunteer, you would play a pivotal role in keeping someone alive until paramedics arrive. Your willingness to act and provide immediate assistance can make a significant difference in the outcome of a cardiac emergency.

Helping your Community

Having a personal AED in your home not only prepares you to help save the life of the ones you care about but also positions you to extend help to others in the moments that matter. Going beyond individual preparedness, volunteer first responders contribute significantly to creating a responsive community, helping to save more lives from sudden cardiac arrest.