GoodSAM Volunteer Response

Scope

This Operational Guideline provides direction for NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) members who are registered as NSW Ambulance (NSWA) GoodSAM volunteer responders through the NSWA GoodSAM Responder program. The NSWA GoodSAM program enables community volunteers to respond to certain cardiac arrest incidents across NSW.

Where NSWA determines it appropriate, an agency response may also be initiated. The NSWA GoodSAM program operates separately to agency response arrangements, and this guideline has been developed in line with NSWA advice and expectations.

Fundamental Protocols underpin the actions of all RFS members and must be adhered to at all times. They outline the Principles of being an RFS member and provide guidance on conduct to support the safety and wellbeing of members.

Guiding Principles

• The RFS works in partnership with other agencies to provide emergency services to the community, including assisting NSWA responses when requested.
• NSWA engages and manages GoodSAM volunteers as individuals, not as agency representatives. RFS members registered as GoodSAM volunteers do so as private citizens, not in their capacity as RFS members.
• Any RFS member may register for the NSWA GoodSAM program, however, responding to a GoodSAM alert is an individual’s decision and does not constitute an RFS response.
• Off-duty RFS members may choose to accept or decline a GoodSAM alert at any time and for any reason. Paramedics are always dispatched in conjunction with a GoodSAM alert.

When on duty with the RFS

• If an RFS member receives a GoodSAM alert while on duty:
  • The member must decline the alert on the GoodSAM app.
  • The member must not proceed to the GoodSAM incident.

As a Community Volunteer Responder

• When responding to a GoodSAM alert, RFS members acting as community volunteers should:
  • Exercise reasonable care and skill, act in good faith, adhere to the NSWA GoodSAM program code of conduct, and follow NSWA guidance.
  • Collect the nearest publicly available Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if it is on the way. AED locations are displayed in the GoodSAM app.
  • Use an RFS-owned AED only where it meets the criteria under Special Considerations.
  • Not change into RFS uniform.
  • Go directly to the patient and provide hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if an AED is not immediately available.
  • Hand over clinical care to paramedics or trained personnel on their arrival and follow any directions provided.
  • Note that community responders are not required to report their involvement post-incident.

Special Considerations

• NSWA GoodSAM volunteers responding to GoodSAM alerts, are protected as good Samaritans under the Civil Liability Act, 2002 (NSW).
• When responding to a NSWA GoodSAM alert as a community volunteer, RFS members are able to use RFS AEDs (from an RFS appliance or Brigade station); only if they are readily available, enroute to the incident, and do not require the responder to deviate from travelling directly to the alert location or otherwise delay the time to commencement of hands-only CPR.
  • Members must not utilise other RFS equipment (including vehicles) within their capacity as a community responder.
• Following attendance to a cardiac arrest as a NSWA GoodSAM volunteer, responders will receive a wellbeing check from NSWA. In addition to this, RFS members also have access to wellbeing support via the RFS Mental Health and Wellbeing team, available on OneRFS and are encouraged to proactively seek support.
• NSWA provides guidance relating to the process involved with receiving and responding to alerts and post-incident process. Details are available online.
• If any member is interested in registering for GoodSAM, it is recommended that you sign up for this through the NSWA website rather than directly through the application, to streamline your registration.

Related Information

• Civil Liability Act 2002
• Memorandum of Understanding RFS and NSW Ambulance
• NSW Ambulance - GoodSAM