You need to have certification in CPR training, or if you work in a job that requires statutory training, evidence of employment in that job. Note - NHS staff can just register with single sign on.
Currently, most ambulance services will only alert those who have undergone formal observed training; however, different regions are now adopting online training programmes. We will be providing more details shortly so please do check back.
The GoodSAM App is an advanced App that is used by emergency services and NHS Volunteers for a plethora of functions, however, as a cardiac responder, once you have logged in and got to understand it, it sits in the background of your phone (not using significant battery as it uses triangulation of masts rather than GPS to know where you are).
When an ambulance service receives a 999 call with determinant likely to indicate a cardiac arrest (e.g. not conscious / not breathing), then the system automatically triggers an algorithm to alert the nearest GoodSAM responders. For example, the nearest 3 people. If someone doesn't hear the alert or can't go, the next nearest is alerted.
If you are alerted your phone will make a siren sound (or whatever sound you choose from the "Me" tab) and you will be asked if you can help. If you can, then a map appears showing you where to go.
On arrival, please introduce yourself and explain you have been alerted by the ambulance service. Ensure the scene is safe, assess the patient and start CPR if appropriate. You should only provide basic life support (CPR and AED use in line with Resus Council UK Guidelines) and when the ambulance service arrives, please continue to help under their guidance.
Afterwards, please fill in the report form on the app and if you are feeling you could do with talking to someone, please request a welfare check on the last page.
Obviously, please try to go if you can, but if you can't, please don't worry. The next nearest responder will be alerted within 20 seconds. Obviously, if you are looking after children that you can't leave, working or if you have been drinking, you should not go. This is "alerting" not "dispatching" - you are not a statutory response. You are not on call. You are providing a Good Samaritan Act to someone who needs help nearby.
It depends the ambulance service settings for your region, as different people (e.g. staff) can have different radius of alerts to others. On average, most people receive one to two alerts a year. Some people receive none, others five or six.
It shouldn't. In the settings under the "Me" tab you can select how accurate you want your location to be. Please set minimal (which uses triangulation of masts to know roughly where you are). This has minimal effect on battery life. If you slide it all the way to full GPS there will be a drain on battery, so only use this setting if your phone is regularly on charge (e.g. in a car).
By responding with GoodSAM, you agree to our very basic code of conduct which has been drawn up by ambulance services. If conforming to the code of conduct you are protected through the Social Action, Responsibility and Heroism Bill. Also, because you are alerted and acting as an agent of an ambulance service, you are protected through NHS Resolution. We do not advise taking out any additional first aid indemnity, though if you are already a member of an indemnity organisation, they probably already provide cover for Good Samaritan acts.
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