The government of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, has launched a mobile app for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest in partnership with NSW Ambulance.

The GoodSAM app aims to increase cardiac arrest survival rates by encouraging community members to register as responders who can perform cardiopulmonary rescuscitation (CPR) until paramedics arrive.

Integrated with the Triple Zero (000) dispatch system, it alerts nearby volunteers when someone requires CPR. The Emergency Medical Call Taker can then guide them through the process.

Four lives were saved during a six-week pilot of the app, which involved 1,600 NSW Ambulance staff.

Research has shown that immediate chest compressions significantly improve survival rates for cardiac arrest patients.

The NSW Government has invested A$2.5m ($1.64m) in the GoodSAM project, in which individuals aged 18 years and older can register as responders without formal CPR training.

NSW Ambulance deputy commissioner David Dutton said: “Anyone who feels able to provide chest compressions can join, and the more people who register to be a GoodSAM responder, the better, because it increases the odds that someone nearby can provide immediate CPR and save a life if someone is in cardiac arrest.

“I’d like to thank the NSW Ambulance workforce for getting behind this programme and extend my appreciation to community members, staff and volunteers from our various partners, including other emergency services, NSW Government departments, volunteer organisations and NSW Health stakeholders, who have signed up in the lead up to today.”

Last week, NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park and the Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson announced a one-time funding increase of A$50,000 for The Man Walk Australia, a men's mental health support service.

The funding aims to improve mental, physical and general wellbeing among men, including by introducing new walk locations in NSW.