Ep 36 - The GoodSAM app with Mark Wilson (LTC 2014)

Revolutionizing Emergency Medical Response: An Inside Look at the GoodSAM App Welcome to the St Emlyns blog! Today, we dive deep into an innovation that's poised to transform emergency medical care: the GoodSAM app. I had the privilege of sitting down with Mark Wilson, a consultant neurosurgeon, pre-hospital care practitioner, and the driving force behind this groundbreaking technology. Our conversation took place at the London Trauma Conference, where Mark shared insights into the motivation, development, and future of GoodSAM. The Birth of GoodSAM: Addressing a Critical Need Mark Wilson's journey with GoodSAM began through his work with London's Air Ambulance. During his time there, he observed a significant number of patients with head injuries experiencing periods of apnea before medical professionals could arrive. Often, these patients would suffer from hypoxic brain injuries rather than direct trauma to the brain. This observation sparked an idea: what if there was a way to reduce secondary brain injuries by ensuring that airways were kept open during the critical moments before emergency services could reach the patient? The problem was clear—there simply weren’t enough trained individuals present at the scene of these emergencies to maintain open airways. Inspired by the thought that "you’re never more than five meters away from a spider," Mark and his team theorized that, especially in urban areas like London, you’re likely never more than a few hundred meters away from a trained medical professional. Developing GoodSAM: From Concept to Reality Turning this idea into a functioning application required technical expertise and collaboration. Enter Ali Gorgony, a tech developer from Imperial College, who played a crucial role in bringing GoodSAM to life. Together, they conceptualized and built the app, creating a platform that connects individuals in need of immediate medical assistance with nearby responders. GoodSAM features two primary versions: the Alert app and the Responder app. The Alert app is designed for the general public, while the Responder app is for medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, and paramedics. Once a responder downloads and registers on the app, they are ready to assist in emergencies. The app uses advanced technology to triangulate the responder's location via beacons rather than GPS, ensuring minimal battery drain. How GoodSAM Works: Saving Lives One Alert at a Time When someone in distress uses the Alert app, it automatically dials 999 (or the local emergency number in other countries) and simultaneously notifies the three nearest responders. The responder’s phone emits a distinct siren sound, alerting them to the emergency. If they are available to help, they can quickly respond; if not, the next closest responder is notified. This system ensures that someone capable of providing immediate assistance, such as maintaining an open airway or performing CPR, can reach the patient as quickly as possible. A standout feature of GoodSAM is its defibrillator registry, which currently includes over 12,000 defibrillators. Users can upload pictures of fixed defibrillators in public places, adding to a comprehensive map that responders can access during emergencies. Ensuring Safety and Reliability: Governance and Verification The integrity of GoodSAM's responder network is paramount. To ensure that only qualified individuals are registered, responders must upload identification and, if applicable, their GMC number. This information is verified before they are approved to respond to alerts. Additionally, institutions like London’s Air Ambulance and various ambulance services in the UK and Australia can register, allowing their staff to be verified under the institution’s approval. GoodSAM's governance model is designed to maintain high standards and trust within the community. By verifying the identities and qualifications of responders, the app mitigates the risk of unqualified individ