GoodSAM app saves Melbourne grandfather in cardiac arrest
October 7, 2024in News, Shocktober 2024
A GoodSAM alert and a close neighbour are to thank for saving the life of Beaconsfield grandfather Lee Stewart, who had a cardiac arrest in April this year.
The 71-year-old’s miraculous story shows anybody can help, and this month, Ambulance Victoria (AV) is promoting Shocktober which aims to improve cardiac arrest survival rates across the state.
Lee was in his home office when his wife, Christine, heard what sounded like a gasp for air and rushed in to find him unresponsive.
Christine immediately called Triple Zero (000) and was told to lay him down and start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
L-R: AV Paramedic Jackson Hollands, AV Paramedic Jeff Bauer, Lee Stewart, Christine Stewart and GoodSAM responder Travis Cusack.
Moments in, Christine remembered the front door was locked and raced to open it for paramedics and, to her delight, saw GoodSAM responder, Travis Cusack, who was there to assist.
“It felt like superman had flown in to save the day,” she said.
“I was relieved to have someone with me to help.”
Travis was at home down the street when he received the GoodSAM alert on his phone.
GoodSAM is a mobile app that connects patients in cardiac arrest with a nearby volunteer who is willing to start hands-only CPR while paramedics are on their way.
“As soon as I saw Lee, I could see he was in cardiac arrest, so I got straight into performing CPR,” Travis said.
Minutes later, paramedics and firefighters arrived and used a defibrillator to deliver a shock to Lee before transporting him to hospital.
Throughout Shocktober, AV is asking more people like Travis to sign up as a GoodSAM responder and help support locals in a cardiac arrest emergency.
AV Paramedic Jackson Hollands said Lee’s experience shows the life-saving impact CPR can have on a patient’s outcome.
“When we arrived, Travis was already there doing CPR, which is key in the chain of survival and likely the main reason there was such a good outcome,” he said.
“We know that bystander intervention has the greatest impact on improving someone’s chance of surviving a cardiac arrest.
“Our message is simple – you don’t need to be a paramedic to save a life, just remember to Call (Call Triple Zero 000), Push (Perform CPR) and Shock (use an AED).
“We also encourage all Victorians who feel confident performing hands only CPR to sign up to the GoodSAM app.”
Paramedics Jackson Hollands (left) and Jeff Bauer (right) were thrilled to reunite with Lee Stewart.
Lee said he will be forever grateful to Christine and Travis for saving his life.
“There was no indication anything was wrong right up until the very second it happened,” he said.
“Christine’s quick response was key, and the CPR from Travis is what kept me going.
“Everyone’s efforts saved my life.
“I’m nearly back to one hundred per cent and that’s all thanks to them.”
Travis signed up to the GoodSAM app three years ago and has responded to a total of nine alerts.
He said nothing compares to knowing you’ve helped save someone’s life.
“I signed up because I thought if I can save one life, it’s all worthwhile and I have been fortunate enough to do that,” he said.
“I encourage anyone who knows CPR to join. You could go on to save a life.”
Shocktober is a month-long campaign to highlight the importance of learning CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).