DO you know where your closest defibrillator is?
Each year in NSW, more than 9,000 people suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
For every minute that passes without CPR, a person’s chance of survival drops by 7-10 percent, making fast local response absolutely critical.
In response, the Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Progress Association (HNTGPA) has launched a renewed push to improve emergency readiness across the community.
With support from NSW Ambulance and a growing network of volunteers, the Progress Association is registering and mapping all publicly accessible automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens, photographing, documenting, and verifying not only their locations but also how accessible they are in a real emergency.
As part of the initiative, the Progress Association is also encouraging confident community members to register for the GoodSAM app, a free NSW Ambulance program that alerts nearby volunteers when someone goes into cardiac arrest.
The app shows the responder where the patient is and where to find the nearest AED, enabling hands-only CPR to begin before paramedics arrive.
The local AED project was first launched in 2022 by community member Julie Taylor, who identified the urgent need for a coordinated emergency response system in the twin towns.
While the program gained early momentum, the statewide rollout of GoodSAM has provided fresh impetus and the digital backbone needed to take the project further.
“You don’t need to be a paramedic or doctor,” said Progress Association Vice President Sandra Bourke, who has been updating local AED data into the GoodSAM system.
“Anyone aged 18 and over can sign up to GoodSAM and be part of the chain of survival.
“You don’t need formal medical training, just a willingness to help.”
All responders are protected under NSW’s Good Samaritan laws, and participation is entirely optional, with alerts able to be accepted or declined at any time.
For residents who may not feel confident using the app or who prefer a more traditional option, a free fridge magnet is also being distributed.
This simple printed guide lists the locations of AEDs across our area along with key emergency contact numbers, providing a valuable quick-reference tool in any household or business.
How to Register for GoodSAM:
1. Visit: www.ambulance.nsw.gov.au/goodsam
2. Register your details online
3. Download the GoodSAM Responder app to your phone
4. Keep the app running in the background – it will only notify you if someone nearby needs help.
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