How everyday Aussies can step up and save lives before emergency services arrive.
Each year in Australia, thousands of lives are lost to sudden cardiac arrest. In these moments, every second counts. Yet for many Australians, help doesn’t arrive soon enough—especially in homes, public spaces, or rural communities.
Now imagine if trained citizens nearby could respond before the ambulance even arrives. That’s the goal of the GoodSAM app—a national initiative designed to activate everyday volunteers who have the skills and confidence to perform lifesaving CPR or use an AED.
At Emergency First Aid Training Pty Ltd, we’re proud to support initiatives like GoodSAM that empower individuals, save lives, and strengthen community response. Whether you’re a health worker, teacher, parent, student, or retiree, becoming a GoodSAM responder is a powerful way to make a difference.
Let’s explore how the GoodSAM app works—and how you can prepare to join this lifesaving network through first aid training.
What Is the GoodSAM App?
GoodSAM (Good Smartphone Activated Medics) is a free smartphone platform that connects nearby trained volunteers with people experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).
When someone calls Triple Zero (000), the app sends an alert to GoodSAM responders nearby—often within hundreds of metres—with:
- The location of the patient
- Guidance on what to do
- Directions to the nearest AED (defibrillator)
These precious minutes between collapse and ambulance arrival can be the difference between life and death.
Why Should You Become a GoodSAM Responder?
- You Could Save a Life
Research shows that early CPR more than doubles the chances of survival after cardiac arrest (Ambulance Victoria, 2025). In Victoria, GoodSAM volunteers have contributed to saving over 70 lives in just one year.
One powerful example is Ashlin, a young volunteer in NSW who received a GoodSAM alert while relaxing at home. Within minutes, she was performing CPR on her neighbour—and that person survived. (ABC News, 2025)
- Anyone with Basic CPR Training Can Join
You don’t need to be a nurse, paramedic, or doctor. If you’ve completed a recognised CPR or first aid course, you’re eligible to register. At Emergency First Aid Training Pty Ltd, we offer nationally recognised courses to help you qualify:
Whether you’re new to first aid or renewing your certificate, these short, accessible courses are your pathway to joining the GoodSAM network.
At Emergency First Aid Training Pty Ltd, many of our trainers actively serve as GoodSAM responders. This means you’re learning from professionals who don’t just teach CPR and first aid—they actively apply these skills in real-life emergencies. As a result, our team brings the most current, hands-on experience from real cardiac arrest cases, giving you valuable insight into what to expect and how to respond confidently when it matters most.
- You Control When to Respond
The app sends alerts based on your real-time location, but you’re never obligated to accept a call. If it’s safe, convenient, and you feel confident—you respond. If not, you decline. The system is designed to empower and support, not pressure.
- You’re Part of a Growing National Movement
Ambulance Victoria and NSW Ambulance are rapidly expanding the GoodSAM network, with the aim of placing a responder on every street. By becoming a registered volunteer, you’re contributing to a stronger, more resilient Australia.
Explore our full list of First Aid courses
How to Become a GoodSAM Volunteer
1. Complete a nationally recognised CPR or First Aid course
Our first aid training programs are ideal for beginners or those renewing their certification.
For employers or teams, we also offer onsite group training at your workplace—perfect for creating a safer, more prepared environment for everyone. Whether it’s an office, school, factory, or retail space, onsite training helps you empower your team with lifesaving skills, all while meeting compliance requirements.
Learn more about our Workplace First Aid Training here.
2. Download the GoodSAM Responder App
Available on both iOS and Android.
3. Register your credentials
Submit your training certificate and agree to the GoodSAM responder guidelines.
Learn more about becoming a responder on Ambulance Victoria’s GoodSAM page.
4. Stay alert and ready
You’ll be notified if a nearby emergency occurs—when and how you respond is up to you.
Real People. Real Stories.
- 54 lives saved in NSW alone within the first 12 months of GoodSAM rollout (NSW Health, 2024)
- Survival rate improves by 37% when a GoodSAM responder is involved (Ambulance Victoria, 2025)
- Hundreds of Australians have joined the movement—many were everyday citizens who simply wanted to help.
Final Thoughts
The GoodSAM app is more than just technology—it’s a national call to action. It bridges the crucial gap between cardiac arrest and professional care, giving ordinary Australians the chance to make an extraordinary difference.
If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I could help”—now you can.
Start by getting trained. Enrol in one of our first aid or CPR courses today and become part of a growing network of GoodSAM responders ready to step up when it matters most.
Sources:
Ambulance Victoria. (2025, June 4). Australian-first research reveals smartphone app improves survival of cardiac arrest patients. https://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/australian-first-research-reveals-smartphone-app-improves-survival-cardiac-arrest-patients
NSW Health. (2024, November 28). Lives saved in first year since launch of GoodSAM app. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20241128_03.aspx
ABC News. (2025, June 10). GoodSAM app volunteer Ashlin Fisher saves neighbouring cardiac arrest victim. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-11/goodsam-app-volunteer-ambulance-paramedic-cpr-citizen-lifesaver/105243558
Ambulance Victoria. (2024). GoodSAM responder program. https://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/goodsam/
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