The use of trained volunteers in the response to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest - the GoodSAM experience.

In England, fewer than 1 in 10 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims survive to hospital discharge. This could be substantially improved by increasing bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator use. GoodSAM is a mobile-phone, app-based system alerting trained individuals to nearby cardiac arrests. 'Responders' can be notified by bystanders using the GoodSAM 'Alerter' function. In London, when a 999 call-handler identifies cardiac arrest, in addition to dispatching the usual professional resources, London Ambulance Service automatically activates nearby GoodSAM responders. This article discusses the development of GoodSAM, its integration with London Ambulance Service, and the plans for future expansion.