Travis Sugden, Emergency Nurse at the Royal Adelaide Hospital has recently signed up as part of a new alert system helping to respond to cardiac emergencies in the community, and is encouraging other registered health practitioners to join him.
The global alert system, GoodSAM uses ambulance systems and a smartphone app to alert registered GoodSAM responders to nearby cardiac emergencies so they can assist while an ambulance is on the way.
Travis decided to sign up as a GoodSAM responder being passionate about emergency healthcare and treatment.
“As a previous Advanced First Aid Instructor and current Emergency Department Nurse, I understand the importance of the application of early CPR and the quick intervention of by-standers during a cardiac arrest scenario,” he said.
GoodSAM has been operating in South Australia since December 2022, with over 540 SA Ambulance Service staff and volunteers now registered as responders.
The lifesaving system has now expanded to accept registrations from registered health practitioners and tertiary healthcare students.
Travis is encouraging his colleagues to consider signing up as a GoodSAM responder.
“We all have the training, skills and knowledge to render assistance and potentially save a life. Let’s all work together to apply our skills outside of the ambulance and hospital environment to help those who cannot help themselves.”
To register for GoodSAM, go to www.goodsamapp.org/saas. Please use your @sa.gov.au email address to register because that will assist the verification process.
You will need to upload a photograph of your work ID card or driver’s licence, and your Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency number.
For more information about GoodSAM, go to www.saambulance.sa.gov.au/goodsam
Pictured: Emergency nurse Travis Sugden (left) and consultant cardiologist Dr Anand Ganesan (Flinders Medical Centre) (right) were two of the first registered health practitioners to sign up as GoodSAM responders, pictured here with SA Ambulance Executive Director Statewide Operations, Kate Clarke.
