A New Era in CPR Support: Cardiac Arrest Video Support Team

A pioneering new service is being launched to transform how bystanders are supported during cardiac arrests. In a UK-first initiative, East of England Ambulance Service advanced paramedics will provide live video support via the GoodSAM platform during 999 calls. This real-time guidance aims to deliver expert help in the crucial first minutes, boosting CPR quality and survival chances before ambulance crews arrive.

As featured on BBC Look East, 23rd July 2025: Watch Here

Transforming CPR Support in Real Time

We’re proud to work alongside the East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST) to deliver this groundbreaking initiative. When someone’s heart suddenly stops, we literally have a small number of minutes to provide help by starting CPR and using a defibrillator.

Anyone can do CPR
Anyone can use a defibrillator

Why This Matters

We recognise that the support provided by the ambulance service within their control centre during CPR attempts is crucial in improving survival. This new approach will help support the talented call handlers in providing senior-level advice to 999 callers, delivered by some of the most experienced paramedics in the world.

Cutting-Edge Video Technology

When you call 999 because a loved one has collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest (the heart has suddenly stopped), every minute counts. Using video technology to offer remote help is not a new idea, but the introduction of this as a standard for a broad population is cutting-edge. Our Advanced Paramedics will help talk you through how to deliver excellent and vital CPR during these stressful moments, using the technology that we know is available to us all in 2025.

Voices from the Frontline

Adam Pitcairn, Critical Care Paramedic and EHAAT’s Cardiac Arrest Lead, says:
“I’m excited about this project and am certain that it will make a difference to individuals at one of the most impactful moments of their life. Every day, we see the improvement that good quality CPR makes on outcomes, and we’ve worked hard to help deliver this initiative to our patients.”

Gareth Grier, Associate Medical Director for EHAAT’s Centre for Excellence, says:
“We use technology now in every aspect of our lives, whether that is ordering a pizza, finding a taxi, or navigating our cars. It’s only right that we use similar technology when people need it the most. It is rare to say this with certainty, but lives truly depend on getting this right.”

Part of a Bigger Picture

In 2023, EHAAT created a Centre for Excellence with cardiac arrest as one of our major centrepieces for activities that advance medical care in the very early stages following sudden illness. We’re working along all stages of the now famous chain of survival to help our patients. All the links of the chain need to align if we’re going to offer people the best chance of a good outcome.

Supported by NHS Charities Together

We’re extremely grateful to NHS Charities Together for supporting the funding of this new initiative. EHAAT is striving to push the care we can offer to the limits, and this is a vital part of our journey in the opportunities we offer our patients.

Unlock Life-Saving Knowledge

Anyone can do CPR
Anyone can use a defibrillator

Our clinical team has created short videos that you can use to educate yourself or a group about life-saving first aid. You never know when you might need to help a loved one, watch now

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